Ivor Callely
Ceist:131 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment the total number of new local authority houses which will be funded in 1996; and the comparative figure for each of the years 1976 and 1986. [17967/96]
Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.
The number of local authority houses commenced in 1976 was 7,039 and in 1986, 2,599. In 1996, local authorities have been authorised to start or acquire 3,950 houses, including a small carry forward of houses not commenced in 1995.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:132 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Environment his policy regarding the provision of bathrooms in local authority houses; the number of houses currently awaiting a bathroom extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17968/96]
Funding is provided by my Department under the bathrooms sub-programme to assist local authorities to provide bathrooms-showers in their dwellings which lack these facilities. In addition, the installation of bathrooms-showers may be carried out as part of refurbishment projects under my Department's remedial works scheme. Under these schemes, the capital allocations already made to local authorities total £170 million, of which £15 million was provided solely for bathrooms.
Returns made by local authorities indicate that, at 31 December 1995, 1,951 of their rented dwellings were without bathroom facilities. I understand that, in the case of some 550 of the dwellings involved, the tenants have indicated that they do not wish at this stage to have a bathroom or shower installed.
Local authorities have a legal obligation to provide bathroom facilities in their rented dwelling by 1 January 1998. I am satisfied that, with the financial assistance available from my Department, authorities should be capable of complying with this deadline.