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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Remedial Works Scheme.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

667 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the level of grants paid to Drogheda Corporation, Louth County Council, and Dundalk Urban District Council for the provision of central heating in each of the past five years; if these grants have been discontinued; the number of houses completed by each local authority in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21015/01]

The management, maintenance and improvement of their existing dwellings, including the installation of central heating, is the responsibility of local authorities to be defrayed from their own resources. There is no specific grant funding available from my Department for this purpose. However, where capital funding is provided under my Department's remedial works scheme to assist authorities to carry out major structural works to designated estates, the installation of central heating in houses may form part of the works undertaken. Works funded under this scheme at Aisling Park, Dundalk, and St. Finians Park, Drogheda, included the installation of central heating. A total of some £1.4 million has been allocated in respect of these projects to date.

Since 1994 local authorities have been advised that full central heating should be provided in all new local authority housing. The number of house completions by local authorities in County Louth in each of the past five years is set out in the following table:

Number of House Completions*

Year

Louth Co. Co.

Drogheda Corp.

Dundalk UDC

1996

5

10

16

1997

34

42

28

1998

28

62

45

1999

46

39

18

2000

19

31

43

*Includes dwellings acquired by local authorities.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

668 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the high cost of obtaining a driving licence for a person over 70 years of age; and if he will bring forward measures to offer a reduced cost in this regard. [21016/01]

Arising from a review of the overall driving licence fee arrangements by my Department, proposals to provide for more equitable licence fee arrangements for persons aged more than 70 years are at an advanced stage of preparation. The necessary enabling legislative provision has already been provided for in the Motor Vehicles (Duties and Licences) Act, 2001.

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