COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

QUESTION NO. 12

QUESTION: Councillor P. Gogarty

To ask the Chief executive for an update on maintenance works to repair sub-standard housing in Balgaddy as raised by many Councillors over the past number of years and to outline approximately how many residents will be offered relocation in the forthcoming new housing development and how soon this will be?

REPLY:

Housing Maintenance are continuing to carry out works as part of the advanced maintenance program in the Balgaddy Area.  Currently the following works are being progressed.

• Glazing – The replacement of 20 glazing units is currently under way in tenanted properties and communal areas.  Typically, in the tenanted properties, these works would be deemed tenant responsibility however due to the nature of the program the works are being carried under this program.  Works are expected to be complete within the coming weeks.
• Communal Doors – Ongoing repairs have been carried out to the communal doors resulting from damage outside the scope of normal ware and tear. Replacement of two communal doors is currently being progresses with the first to be installed in the coming 3-4 weeks.
• Utility Meter Doors – A contractor has been appointed for the manufacture and installation of 36 utility meter doors, generally at the entrances to communal doors.  Manufacture has commenced of site and installation will be carried out in the coming 3-4 weeks.  A further 12 full length timber utility meter doors have been identified for replacement by Council direct labour carpenters with works to commence in the coming 2-3 weeks.  Survey of the remaining utility meter doors is being finalised to allow works to commence prior to year-end.
• Communal Areas – A contractor has been appointed to carry out repairs to tiling in communal areas.  Once this works is completed the painting program will commence in these areas.
• Roof Repairs – Tender process had commenced in August, for extensive roof repairs to properties on Foxdene Avenue.  Unfortunately, a suitable contractor was not identified, and the tendering process has recommenced with a closing date for submission on the 12^th November 2021.  Roofing works, including insulation upgrade, at properties in Tor an Rí have been identified.  Works on one property have been completed as part of relet works.  The remaining works will be carried out on the remaining properties following a tender process.  Tender documents are currently being prepared.
• External Painting - Survey of the external areas is being finalised to allow for the tendering for painting to council properties in the coming weeks.

Tenants of existing social homes in Balgaddy may apply for consideration for a transfer to the new dwellings, under the following circumstances:

1. Overcrowding
2. where older persons and other households wish to move to smaller accommodation(Right sizing)
3. medical/compassionate reasons
4. on grounds of anti-social behaviour where the Council’s Estate Management Liaison Officer and a Garda Superintendent support the transfer application
5. other exceptional circumstances.

Under Item 5 above, the Council will follow-up on our commitment in relation to transfers and re-let works in Balgaddy to address legacy maintenance issues.

In addition to the above criteria, tenants seeking a transfer must fulfil the following requirements:

• hold the tenancy in their present dwelling, for a period of at least two years
• have a clear rent account – any transfer will take account of rent arrears, but allowances may be made where an agreement is in place and being adhered to by the tenant to address any such arrears over an agreed period
• have kept their dwelling in satisfactory condition, subject to inspection
• have complied with the conditions of their Tenancy Agreement
• have no record of anti-social behaviour.