I propose to take Questions Nos. 496, 497, 498 and 499 together.
The Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan sets out the high level objectives of the Limerick Regeneration Programme and outlines the strategies to deliver on these goals. The implementation of the plan is a matter in the first instance for Limerick City and County Council.
In respect of the thermal upgrade programme the stated objective, when the plan was adopted, was to achieve a C1 rating. Since 2019 the Local Authority has revised this to target a B2 rating in line with the Building regulations. Where the cost is prohibitive to upgrade a house to this level, the regulations provide for a cost optimal solution.
Limerick City and County Council, as the lead agency in the regeneration programme, has carried out surveys of houses in the programme to determine a scope of works for each particular dwelling and determine the most cost optimal solution to meet the target BER rating. The provision of secondary heating systems i.e. stoves, is generally not supported and are only considered in cases where the local authority can justify their inclusion.
The Council has advised that in the course of the thermal upgrade programme, the issue of the removal of asbestos has arisen. All 53 properties in thermal upgrade Contact 123 have been identified as having asbestos. Asbestos will typically be removed as part of a thermal upgrade contract only in cases where it represents a particular risk to the occupation of a property or to the completion of the proposed thermal upgrade works. Limerick City and County Council has advised that the asbestos identified in Contract 123 is not considered to represent a risk to occupant health, owing to its stable condition and largely inaccessible location within properties and therefore it is not being removed as part of the contract.