Vol. 519 No. 7
7 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he has received an application for funds from Dublin Corporation to install heating in the remainder of its housing stock; if he will approve such an application; when these funds will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13365/00]
My Department has not received an application from Dublin Corporation for funds for the installation of heating in the remainder of its housing stock. The Deputy will be aware that the management, maintenance and improvement of its existing dwellings, including the installation of heating, is the responsibility of Dublin Corporation to be met from its own resources. However the installation of central heating systems by Dublin Corporation forms an integral part of various remedial and refurbishment programmes which are being funded under my Department's remedial works programme. These include the redevelopment of a number of seriously run-down flat complexes mostly in the city centre area involving a mix of some new buildings, refurbishment and, where appropriate, demolition and replacement; the special area regeneration programme which consists of a once-off programme of upgrading of high density older flat complexes at various locations around the city – I understand that under this programme Dublin Corporation will install central heating in over 9,000 of its dwellings; the remedial works scheme which is providing capital funding to carry out major structural works to a number of flat complexes.
Since February 1994 local authorities have been advised that full central heating should be provided in all new local authority housing as part of the overall cost of the schemes. This is being implemented.
In view of the fact that heating is being provided in new and refurbished dwellings, the cost of which is met from the allocation made by the Department, will the Minister of State consider introducing a scheme for the provision of central heating along the lines of the bathroom scheme introduced some years ago?
I am anxious to ensure all publicly owned and rented local authority housing is maintained in good condition and those who live in such housing live in comfortable conditions. Heating is an essential element in this regard. I am willing to look at proposals submitted by local authorities relating to major refurbishment programmes which include heating and other matters. A large number of such schemes have already been approved and are under way. Others are in the pipeline. While I have received no proposal along the lines suggested by the Deputy, I will be happy to look at any proposal submitted. Ordinary maintenance is the responsibility of local authorities to be met from their own resources. If there are major works involved they may qualify under the schemes mentioned. The bathroom scheme to which the Deputy referred was such a special scheme.
(Carlow-Kilkenny): Does the Minister still share my concern about the small number of isolated cottages with iron-frame windows which are occupied by old people, invariably in failing health, and in respect of which heating grants were made available? Is there any possibility that an effort will be made to provide grants for county councils to install central heating in such houses? All the new houses being built by the county council are top class and have central heating. The few remaining houses should be grant aided, even to assist in the provision of radiators to be fed off existing cooker systems, some of which are good.
I have made substantial improvements to the special housing aid for the elderly scheme under which heating can be provided. I have provided substantially increased funding for the scheme. I am not entirely happy, however, with the pace of work under the scheme. Health boards and local authorities do not seem to have cranked up their ability to do the work in line with the increased funding provided. The problem is not one of funding or the right to put in heating under these schemes. The difficulty I am facing is the slowness in dealing with applications. They have to be prioritised but people were not getting high priority and they seemed to have a poor prospect of having their work done. I am conscious that this scheme is particularly aimed at helping elderly people. I am examining this issue to see if it should continue under the present system or whether we should restructure the scheme so it operates more effectively and speedily when works are examined and identified.
