COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 13, 2021

QUESTION NO. 6

QUESTION: Councillor M. Johansson

To ask the Chief Executive to provide the detail of the number of voids in 2021 which have had the re-let works outsourced and how many voids have been completed by direct labour, and if he would make a statement on the matter?

REPLY:

To date approximately 130 homes in the Council’s housing stock have had re-let works completed or commenced in 2021. Essential works carried out on properties being re-let is delivered through a combination of the Council's direct labour team and specialist contractors as necessary.

Typically clearing the vacated houses of waste and previous tenants unwanted personal belongings is carried out by our direct labour team unless the level and type of waste contamination poses a health and safety risk and requires the expertise of external specialist trained contractors. Approximately 90% of properties are cleared by the Council's direct labour staff).

Repair works to relet properties are primarily carried out by a single specialist contractor who coordinates the essential craftworkers required to ensure the properties are delivered at the earliest opportunity whilst ensuring all site activities are carried out in accordance with health and safety and other requirements. A re-let typically requires multiple trades including, painters, carpenters, plumbers, heating engineers, plasterers, brick layers, electricians, roofers, glaziers, tilers, lock smiths etc.  Direct labour craft workers are utilised to conduct these works where the nature of the works permit and subject to availability of labour resources having regard to response and other maintenance duties.  It should be noted the level of activity on re-let works can fluctuate throughout the year and the primary function of our craft workers currently is to ensure prompt and effective responses to maintenance requests from tenants and also in carrying planned and programmed maintenance activities.