BETTER CO-ORDINATION NEEDED BETWEEN NAMA, COUNCILS AND HOUSING BODIES - KENNY

Posted on December 18, 2014 5:34 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Speaking on a Topical issues debate in the Dáil

Labour TD, Sean Kenny, has said that the housing problem in the State, particularly in the city of Dublin, is causing pressure in terms of providing social housing for the large numbers on housing waiting lists where accommodation already exists.

Claiming an example of this can be found with 13 apartments at Calderwood Court, Drumcondra, he said: "These apartments were constructed seven years ago before the property bubble burst. Since that time these apartments were uninhabited and indeed in that respect they are symptomatic of what happened at that time."

"NAMA, through its Assets Residential Property Service, began this year to carry out a 'ghost estate' transformation at Calderwood Court to carry out remedial works. I understand that many further difficulties only became apparent when the remedial work commenced. A new roof had to be fitted due to the extent of the disrepair and remedial works for water damage also had to be carried out."

"It was originally expected that the remedial work would be completed before the end of this year so that they could be allocated. I am now being told that it will be quarter one in 2015 before the remedial work is completed."

"NAMA agreed to transfer the Calderwood Court apartments to NABCO for allocation as social housing to housing applicants on the DCC housing list. NABCO received nominations from DCC and I understand that NABCO have interviewed and selected the families who have been ready to move into their new homes for some time."

"A number of the families who are waiting to move are constituents of mine. Their current rental leases are due to expire and they are fearful that they may become homeless before the apartments in Calderwood Court are completed and ready to move in."

"I welcome the setting up of the Dublin Housing Taskforce initiative by Minister Alan Kelly to fast track the provision of social housing accommodation in the city and I would ask the taskforce to look at how the completion of the apartments at Calderwood Court could be expedited so that the families who are waiting for this accommodation can move in."