COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTOWN/FONTHILL AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

QUESTION NO. 28

QUESTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

To ask the Chief Executive if a backlog has built up due to Covid 19 in relation to housing maintenance requests in Lucan, North Clondalkin and Palmerstown, and if so whether overtime will be provided to ensure that much-needed works in properties under the care of the Council are carried out, particularly as when people are spending more time at home and any problems can lead to great distress?

REPLY:

The Housing Maintenance section has examined the maintenance requests for service (MRFS) submitted during the Covid19 lockdown period commencing on 27th March 2020 until 31st May 2020 and a total of 419 MRFs were received for this electoral area in the categories listed below:

Central Heating                 123

Electrical                            55

Plumbing                          107

Inspections                         97                          

Carpentry                            4

Roofing                               3

Relet Repairs                      18

Other                                 12

The housing maintenance section did not suspend service during this period and the section undertook essential works on emergency matters i.e (GFCH/Electrical/Plumbing); some of the inspections requested could not be accommodated due to social distancing guidelines and tenants isolating for health reasons. These are now currently being carried out subject to guidelines. Pending the completion of the inspection the necessary works will be carried out by direct labour/ relevant contractors.

The external contractors who deliver the mechanical and electrical response works to the Council are working through any outstanding requests and have recommenced their boiler servicing schedules; new installation works and unit repairs subject to tenant agreement regarding access.

Planned Maintenance Programmes are currently on hold subject to review of social distancing measures that will need to be implemented for the protection of staff, contractors and tenants. These programmes involve various staff being in properties for periods of up to several days.

Tenants are advised to check their tenancy agreements to be aware as to what works they are responsible for prior to contacting the Council.