Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dublin Flat Complex.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

234 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received an application from Dublin Corporation to have the remaining blocks of Oliver Bond House, Dublin excluding blocks C, D, E and F fitted with new windows; when he received the application; the estimated cost involved; if he has made a decision to grant funds to Dublin Corporation for the work; when he will inform Dublin Corporation of his decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

235 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment if he has met with the representatives of the Oliver Bond Tenants Association, Dublin to discuss matters of refurbishment and renewal of this, the largest inner city flat complex; if, having regard to the publication of the Government's policy on social housing and the need to consolidate and refurbish inner city dwellings, he will meet the tenants' association again to discuss his plans for the future, and the way Government policy, with particular reference to the involvement of tenants in estate management, could be applied on a pilot basis to Oliver Bond House; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Mr. Connolly)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.

This estate has been designated for funding under the remedial works scheme and a major refurbishment project is under way. Before designation, the Minister for the Environment met a deputation from the tenants. As part of the remedial works project, the corporation sought approval last June to have the replacement of windows funded under the scheme at a cost of some £590,000. The proposal is being considered in the context of the allocation of £5.6 million notified to the corporation last month in respect of expenditure in 1991 on designated estates, including this one, and a decision will be conveyed to them shortly.

The plan for social housing published in February put renewed emphasis on the need for local authorities to improve their existing management and maintenance procedures and to adopt a more devolved approach to the running of their estates, including increased tenant responsibility and participation. The development of this approach in relation to Oliver Bond House is the responsibility of the corporation, as the housing authority, in conjunction with the tenants. The corporation are being encouraged to take whatever steps are necessary to make progress in this matter and I would, therefore, suggest that the tenants discuss the matter with them.