asked the Minister for Local Government when repairs are expected to be completed to the houses in the NBA scheme at Rockfield Park, Kilmacanogue, Bray, County Wicklow.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bray House Repairs.
17.
I am informed by the National Building Agency that the contractor has completed normal maintenance repairs in 16 houses in this scheme, and that he should have these repairs completed in the remaining ten houses within a month. The Deputy will be aware, however, that this scheme was built under the former guaranteed order housing project. There have been complaints about dampness in some of the houses, which is attributed to condensation. Unsuccessful efforts have been made by the contractor to remedy a defect which encourages this condensation and he has been asked by the agency to submit alternative proposals as a matter of urgency.
I should like to thank the Minister for that reply. In the opinion of the Minister will this scheme ever be a success?
I do not think it will be. It was built under the guaranteed order housing project.
Has the Minister anything in mind by way of replacement?
No. I believe that the houses will be brought up to as good a standard as is possible by having the defects remedied. In fact, following representations made by the tenants, there were some arrangements made about heating, putting in boilers——
And immersions, at their request.
Immersion heaters and so on, and this was done. As the Deputy knows a deputation came to see me and I agreed to recommend that this be done. It has been done but there is difficulty with the contractor because it appears that what he suggested as a solution to some of the problems has not, so far, proved effective. A suggestion has been made by the NBA to try another remedy and this has been proceeded with. Therefore, an effort has been made to try to do as much as possible with them.
I know the Minister is aware of the problem because he opened the scheme. Would the Minister not agree that, even with regard to the 16 houses that have been completed, these complaints suddenly come to light again within a week or two?
I do not think that is quite correct. The tenants of the houses which have been completed are reasonably satisfied with them, that they are now completely habitable.
Question No. 18.
Could the Minister state who was the contractor in this case?
The contractor was Riversdale Concrete Products.
Could the Minister inform the House whether final payment had been made to Riversdale Concrete Products?
Obviously not, because they are still carrying out repairs.
Question No. 18, please.
Might I ask the Minister if he will ensure that the contractor completes the contract to the satisfaction of the NBA?
Since I took over here every contractor has been made complete the contract before he gets his final money.
The Minister appears to insinuate that that did not happen before his time.
I cannot talk about what happened before I assumed office. I am talking merely about what I know myself.
(Interruptions.)
I do not know what happened before. I am merely talking about what has happened since I took over. If Deputy Molloy asks a stupid question, he will get a stupid answer.
Next question, please.
No scheme is completed until final payment is made.