Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Nov 1990

Vol. 403 No. 2

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

25 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Environment if he has satisfied himself that the local authorities can cope with the level of housing demand from persons on the approved housing lists; if he is prepared to declare a housing emergency in view of (a) the problems being experienced by people on the waiting lists, (b) the delays which they have to endure and (c) the complete failure of the private rented sector to provide sufficient accommodation at economic rents and satisfactory quality for young single people in the major urban centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

The increased capital provision for the local authority housing programme is resulting in a substantial increase in the level of the programme this year. This, together with new lettings from casual vacancies in the existing rented housing stock, will in general enable local authorities to provide a reasonable response to the housing needs of persons on waiting lists. Furthermore, increased State expenditure on the voluntary housing programme will facilitate new accommodation for about 500 households almost all of whom would be qualified for local authority housing. With regard to declaring a housing emergency I would refer to my reply to Question No. 4 of 10 July, 1990.