Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024
233. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what additional steps he will take to ensure that Dublin City Council acts on foot of the Respiratory Health Among Residents of Oliver Bond House report, which showed the scale of the health problems associated with these flats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7172/24]
View answerThe regeneration of the Oliver Bond House complex by Dublin City Council (DCC) has my Department's full support. My Department provided Stage 1 Capital Appraisal approval to DCC for the redevelopment for the flats in Blocks L, M and N, on the 16th March 2022. This allowed for a guarantee of Departmental support whilst also tasking DCC to investigate a review of options to find the most suitable solution for the site.
I can confirm that my office is working with the representatives of the Oliver Bond residents' group to provide them with an opportunity to present to me on "Respiratory Health Among Residents of Oliver Bond Report". I anticipate that there will be input also provided by the report authors. The details of that meeting will be finalised in due course.
The management and maintenance of DCC’s housing stock is strictly a matter for the Local Authority. DCC have advised that the Council has been undertaking works to improve the living conditions of the residents as well as the structure of the complex. On an ongoing basis there are four caretakers assigned to the complex. Their duties include maintaining common areas, presenting waste for collection and reporting any repairs and accidents in the complex. These caretakers are assigned to the Oliver Bond complex on a full time basis. All maintenance repair requests are responded to in accordance with Housing Maintenance procedures.
DCC have informed my Department that they have surveyed all of the units for mechanical ventilation and installed vents in 308 units. Of the 391 apartments, 49 tenants refused to have mechanical ventilation installed. Of the remaining 34 DCC are currently working to gain access to install ventilation
DCC have informed my Department that their maintenance staff are currently examining the condition of windows in the units for the purpose of upgrading all single glazed windows to double glazed. 12 blocks have completed surveys and the tender process will start as soon as the remaining surveys are complete. These improvement measures will be implemented in collaboration with the residents.
DCC have also informed my Department that they are actively engaged with the residents on an individual level to address issues brought to their attention. Officers from the City Council engage through the Robert Emmet CDP and attend meetings with resident groups to hear their concerns and shared information on planned and proposed work.
In the longer term, DCC is fully committed to making a positive intervention in all the 391 apartments and will continue to pursue this via its application for grant funding and its collaboration with local residents, elected members and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
