Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 1 Oct 1997

Vol. 480 No. 7

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Jim Mitchell

Ceist:

92 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received an application from Dublin Corporation to reinstate and recommence their refurbishment plan for St Joseph's Mansions, Dublin 1 under the remedial works scheme as part of the North East Inner City Integrated Plan; if so, if he will provide the necessary finance for the work to commence early in 1998; the amount of funding which will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15086/97]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

This flat complex was designated for funding under my Department's remedial works scheme. Dublin Corporation carried out some refurbishment works to 16 flats and replaced windows in the entire complex in 1993-94 but work was discontinued due to anti-social problems in the complex. While a request was received earlier this year to recommence work, the Corporation subsequently substituted the refurbishment of some 181 flats at Liberty House for which approval issued to go to tender last July.

To date, the Corporation have been allocated over £65 million in respect of designated estates, including £7 million this year. The financial requirements of Dublin Corporation and other local authorities to complete work on approval housing schemes and the overall high level of demand by local authorities for funding under the scheme would not allow the recommencement of this project at this stage. However, the project will be considered in the context of the funding available under the remedial works scheme in 1998.