Dáil Éireann - Volume 477 - 10 April, 1997

Written Answers. - Local Authority Funding.

[878] 58. Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received a proposal from Dublin Corporation for the refurbishment of privately owned houses in Sheriff Street, Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9409/97]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Ms McManus): Dublin Corporation has been informed that there are no funds available to my Department from which grant assistance could be made available for the improvement of private housing generally, but that it is open to the corporation to consider the possible use of the scheme of improvement works in lieu of local authority housing, where this would be appropriate, to secure improvements to the houses in question.

59. Mr. Costello asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received a proposal from Dublin Corporation for the refurbishment of Mary Aikenhead House, James' Street, Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9410/97]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment (Ms McManus): The 13 estates to which Dublin Corporation gave its highest relative priority have been designated for funding under the remedial works scheme. Over £65 million has been allocated to the corporation to date in respect of these projects, including £7 million this year. It is understood from the corporation that its allocation this year will be fully utilised in respect of approved projects. Given the level of funding which will be required by Dublin Corporation and other local authorities throughout the country to complete approved projects, and the general level of demand for assistance under the scheme, it is not possible, at this stage, to designate further projects for funding.