Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2024
238. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has invited Kerry Council to make an application for the vacant properties (voids) programme; if such an application has been submitted; the total amount of funding his Department proposes to allocate to the authority; the expected timeframe for release of the funding; the number of units this funding will cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45836/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has invited Kerry Council to make an application for the vacant properties (voids) programme; if such an application has been submitted; the total amount of funding his Department proposes to allocate to the authority; the expected timeframe for release of the funding; the number of units this funding will cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45840/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 241 together.
The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Local authorities also have a legal obligation to ensure that all of their tenanted properties are compliant with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2019. Local authority officials and elected members have a very important role to play in this regard by making adequate budgetary provision for housing repairs and cyclical maintenance utilising the significant housing rental income available to them as part of the annual budgetary process.
Notwithstanding the legal obligation on local authorities, I have approved €31 million in funding under the Planned Maintenance/Voids Programme this year. Of this, Kerry County Council has been allocated €759,000 for the remediation of 69 dwellings. Also, a further €153,341 has been provided to the local authority for Planned Maintenance works.
My Department has received a submission from Kerry County Council under this Programme, with the selection of these properties a matter for the individual local authority.
Work in relation to the 2024 programme is ongoing and full details in relation to delivery under the 2024 Planned Maintenance/Voids Programme will be available early in 2025.
