COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (1)

Monday, May 19, 2008

MOTION NO. 7

MOTION: Councillor C. King

"That this Committee calls on the Manager, to provide a report on the overall (all phases) Cushlawn refurbishment scheme outlining differences between the first phase of works and the current phase".

REPORT:

The Council commenced phase 2 of its Housing Refurbishment Programme in October 2007. 197 homes are scheduled for refurbishment, of which 97 are in Cushlawn Estate.Phase 1 of the Refurbishment Scheme resulted in 325 homes being refurbished, of which 148 were in the Cushlawn Estate.

Currently, the Council's nominated contractor for the Cushlawn Refurbishment Programme is involved in snagging 19 homes in Stage 2A, with another 13 homes nearing completion in Stage 2B. Work will not progress on further stages until the first stage is completed to the Council's satisfaction. Phase 2 is progressing satisfactorily and is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2009. Phase 2 also includes some environmental upgrading works in Cushlawn. This is being treated as a separate contract and will be tendered towards the end of the current contracts for Phase 2.

The works being carried out in Phase 2 differ from those in Phase 1 in two key respects:

1. Contract Type

Phase 1 of the Refurbishment Programme was a direct labour/subcontractor based project, with the Council being responsible for the co-ordination of the various trades, security and health and safety issues. Phase 2 of the Refurbishment Programme has 2 main contractors, one based in Quarryvale and one based in Cushlawn. The contractor has responsibilty for co-ordinating all trades, security and health and safety on site and the contractor is the project supervisor. This allows a more efficient and reliable delivery of the project and provides assurances in relation to defects liabilities.

2. Scope of Works

While the scope of works in Phase 2 is mostly similiar to those in Phase 1, there are some differences. In respect of the replacement of windows and doors, the works carried out in Phase 2 complies with the Building Regulations issued in 2005 and the regulations  in respect of Means of Escape/Fire Safety issued in 2006. These regulations were not in force for Phase 1 of the Refurbishment Programme. The current specification being used in Phase 2 is the specification being used in the Council's Windows and Door Upgrade/Replacement Programme which is being rolled out throughout the county. These specifications allow for a new aluminium frame with double glazing being fitted onto the exisitng window frame where possible. Where the window frame is beyond repair, a complete aluminium replacement window is installed.

The completion of the Council's Accelerated Gas Fired Central Heating Programme in 2006 resulted in all Council homes being fitted with central heating. The main mechanical element of the works in Phase 2 concentrates on the upgrading/replacement of heating systems installed by tenants.