Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
417. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position with the provision of social housing at a site (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26253/23]
View answerThe properties raised in this question were delivered by an Approved Housing Body (AHB) and their ongoing management and maintenance is a matter in the first place, for the AHB in conjunction with the relevant local authority. I understand from Kildare County Council that their intention is for the ownership of the homes referred to in the question, to be transferred to a new AHB, which will take over the management of the homes, since the AHB which developed the units in the 1990s is no longer active.
The new AHB is currently undertaking an assessment of the properties to understand the refurbishment works required and costings for these works with a view to making them available for re-tenanting. It is critical that local authorities take an active oversight role on the condition and tenanting of all AHB properties in their area, as it is they who manage the allocations for such properties with the AHBs, including responding to situations where properties are vacant.
My Department is continuing to work with Kildare County Council to advance this project and we look forward to the completion of the preparatory work and moving the project forward as soon as possible. Further specific information on this project will be available directly from Kildare County Council.
