Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
523. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of significant issues with particular flat complexes in Cork constructed in the 1960s under the design of city architect (details supplied) that have now exceeded the estimated life span by over ten years; and if he will consider a specific funding stream to remedy these flat complexes. [40176/23]
View answerThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme, carrying out of responsive repairs and ultimately the regeneration and replacement of social housing, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
My Department currently funds multi-year programs of large-scale regeneration projects. These projects seek to address the causes of disadvantage through a holistic programme of physical, social and economic regeneration. The regeneration projects being funded by my Department target the country’s most disadvantaged communities, including those defined by the most extreme social exclusion, unemployment and anti-social behaviour.
On completion of feasibility studies should the local authority wish to submit a funding application for the regeneration of the flat complexes referenced in the Question under the Regeneration programme my Department would be happy to consider such submissions.
Since 2014, Exchequer funding has been provided through my Department's Voids Programme to support local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-letting. This funding was initially introduced to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted at ensuring minimal turnaround and re-let times for local authority vacant stock.
My Department will provide €31 million in funding to support the return of 2,300 vacant local authority homes this year. Of this, €1,397,000 has been allocated to Cork City Council to remediate 127 vacant properties and €367,641 has been allocated for Planned Maintenance.
