COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 09, 2010

HEADED ITEM NO. 5

ENERGY UPGRADE AND REFURBISHMENT OF 22 APARTMENT UNITS AT PEARSE BROTHERS PARK AND PALMER PARK, TAYLORS LANE, BALLYBODEN

As a scheme constructed in the late 1950’s, the accommodation, while appropriate for its time, does not meet current DoEHLG specifications.

A scheme to demolish and replace the 22 units at an estimated cost of €3.3m is not feasible in the light of current and expected levels of SHIP funding. An added difficulty here is the three privately owned dwellings attached to each of the three Pearse Brother Park blocks. In any redevelopment of the site these would need to be protected, waterproofed and insulated. They would also have the effect of reducing the footprint of the site for redevelopment.

The single Palmer Park block comprises 4 x 1-bed units. Three of these are single occupancy and the fourth has 2 occupants. The average age of tenants is 63. The three Pearse Brothers Park blocks each consist of 3 x 1-bed units on the ground floor with 1 x 2-bed and 2 x 1-bed units at first floor level. One of the 2-bed units is vacant and the remaining two have one and two occupants respectively. All of the 1-bed units are single occupancy. The average age of tenants is 55.

The apartments have BER ratings ranging between G and E2, due to lack of insulation, extensive use of concrete and two-thirds of the units being externally exposed on three sides resulting in extensive heat loss. As a result, the elderly cohort of residents experience levels of thermal discomfort and high energy costs despite the installation by SDCC of gas fired central heating between 2000 and 2008. There is therefore an imperative to improve the living conditions of the residents in the context of a scheme to address thermal comfort and upgrading of kitchen and bathroom facilities.

The following works are proposed at an estimated total cost of €1.04m, the main elements of which are summarised as follows:

Replace all single glazed timber windows in poor condition

Replace all entrance doors

Install attic and under floor insulation

Enclose common access at front and rear and provide new insulated concrete floor within the new internal space

Fire-stopping between apartments within attic space

External wall insulation

Replace asbestos gutters, rainwater, soil vent and waste pipes

New aluminium fascias & soffits

Kitchen and bathroom upgrades

Installation of an enclosed balcony to living / dining rooms for added space and amenity

Internal and external painting throughout

A recent survey of residents confirmed their desire to continue living in the blocks upgraded as above. This is a well established community of elderly residents who have extremely good access to public transport and other amenities and there is a constant waiting list for the units even in their current state.

Earlier this year, the Council proposed an upgrading scheme as outlined above and the matter was discussed on a number of occasions with the Department. By letter dated 12/10/2010, the Department sought a justification of need, a detailed appraisal of the Council’s long-term strategy for the units and fully detailed costings for consideration of the scheme under the Social Housing Investment Programme. This has now been supplied to the Department and a positive response is expected.