Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 30 Jan 2002

Vol. 547 No. 1

Written Answers. - Local Authority Funding.

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

727 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he gave approval to South Dublin County Council in 1998 to use the internal capital receipts; if plans were brought forward in view of the approval or otherwise, given by his Department to this local authority; if the money was spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1269/02]

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

In December 1998, my Department approved in principle the use of 12.44 million in surplus internal capital receipts by South Dublin County Council towards the take-over and refurbishment of former Dublin Corporation houses which were in the council's administrative area. It was proposed at that time that refurbishment works would be undertaken at Cushlawn and Shancastle-Greenfort.

The works involved were not subject to specific prior approval by my Department and it is a matter for the council to identify houses in need of refurbishment works and to determine the extent of improvement work necessary.

I understand that to date a major refurbishment programme has been completed at Donomore Park-Crescent and Killinarden Heights which included the provision of central heating in 240 houses that were refurbished in these estates. A major refurbishment programme is also currently underway in Avonbeg which is being funded separately under my Department's remedial works scheme. The Department is in ongoing discussions with South Dublin County Council regarding funding for refurbishment programmes, including the provision of central heating in local authority rented houses.

My Department does not have specific information on the level of expenditure by the council from the use of internal capital receipts approved in principle in 1998.