COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTON/NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

QUESTION NO. 14

QUESTION: Councillor M. Johansson

To ask the Chief Executive what actions, excluding the planned maintenance programme, are being taken to address the violation by the council of article 16 of the European Social Charter, as found by the European Committee of Social Rights, for the existing residents in Balgaddy?

REPLY:

Balgaddy estate had been signalled for a number of planned maintenance and estate management enhancement works with a dedicated budget for the area. Prior to the introduction of the COVID 19 restrictions, progress was being made by the Council's estate management team with the establishment of new resident’s association for Balgaddy and a works programme for the area drafted in consultation with the residents.  Works completed to date include the installation of new communal door prototype and structural repair works to the Balgaddy Family and Childcare Centre. In addition, repairs have been carried out to balconies and stairways within the development and the cleaning of communal areas. Maintenance requests in the estate have been prioritised including critical electrical, heating, and plumbing services to tenants. We also continue to follow-up on our commitments in relation to transfer requests and re-let works and to move tenants to alternative accommodation where necessary in order to address legacy maintenance issues.

While we are conscious that some housing services have had to be delayed or postponed due to COVID restrictions. The Council is currently planning for the commencement of the painting programme for the communal areas in Balgaddy Estate, a mini- competition has recently been completed and the contractor is due to be appointed shortly.

At present, the Council has a pre-tender funding application for the next phase of the Balgaddy housing development with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for consideration and will progress to tender on receipt of approval. The Council will tender the social housing development together with a new community facility for the area.