COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

QUESTION NO. 1

QUESTION: Councillor M. Ward

"Can the Chief Executive inform this Committee on what is the Council's policy when a tenant has to leave a Council property due to fire and cannot return to their home. What supports are in place to accommodate these families?"

REPLY:

Where there is extensive flood/fire/damage to a Council property and it is such that the tenant cannot remain in the property and cannot find alternative accommodation with family or friends, the tenant is advised to contact the Council's Homeless Section.  There a Housing Officer will liaise with them and if necessary offer emergency accommodation by way of hotel for a short time.  The Housing Officer will also put the family in touch with the Community Welfare Officer to be assessed for rent support. 

Once the damage to the house is fully assessed and if found to be such that it will be some time (months) before the tenants can return, a decision will be made on whether or not a temporary letting is needed.  If such a decision is made then once a suitable property is available, a temporary letting can be arranged.   However, as the Council do not keep a stock of houses available for such eventualities it may take time for one to become available and when it does it will not be furnished.  All furnishings will have to be provided by the family and removed when the temporary letting terminates.