Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 September 2022

Thursday, 15 September 2022

Questions (213)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if and when the housing development at a location (details supplied) will be commenced given the extreme shortage of housing in the area, that a large number of completed houses on this new development remain unoccupied, that several existing houses in the estate are boarded up at ground floor level, that the estate now looks abandoned and residents are continuously reporting anti-social behaviour; if immediate steps will be taken to resume the development with attendant security measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45354/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The design and delivery of new social homes as well as the maintenance and upkeep of existing properties, are the direct responsibility of our local authorities, working in partnership with AHBs. My Department is providing substantial funding to the local authorities for their work in these important areas and I understand that the Council is deploying some of the €1.628 million which I allocated to them under the 2022 Voids Programme, for this particular location. I also understand that this voids work is underway and that the Council is to return vacant properties to productive use imminently.

In addition to the repair works to the existing social housing in the area, I understand that the Council is currently working with Tuath AHB to deliver 29 new homes with the construction scheduled for completion within the next couple of months and allocations to take place without delay in compliance with the Council's allocation policy.

Further information on these actions will be available directly from the local authority.