COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
QUESTION NO. 11
QUESTION: Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh
"To ask the Chief Executive to provide a progress report on the 100 homes in phase 1, that were listed for upgrades as part of the windows and doors replacement programme (North of the Naas Rd), but delayed due to Covid19 restrictions. Furthermore, outlining the total number of homes currently approved for upgrades and the number of applications currently being processed in the system."
REPLY:
The replacement of windows and doors is being addressed by the planned maintenance section within Housing Maintenance. The section addresses the requirement to replace windows and doors through the Windows and Doors replacement programme. The decision to replace windows and doors, is based on maintenance requests made by tenants resulting inspections being carried out on the property. The inspection allows for the windows to be assessed and graded, in the following manner
- No works required – windows and doors are in good condition and performing to specification
- Service required – The condition is good but service required (seals, hinges, latches, restrictors, locks)
- Monitoring required – The condition is good, but due to age of the unit’s, deterioration is likely within 24 months.
- Replacement required – windows scheduled for replacement in coming 6-12 months as part of a grouping of houses.
- Emergency replacement required – due to health and safety requirements windows require urgent replacement, the property is issued to response maintenance for immediate attention.
Housing Maintenance are also validating previous inspections carried out on windows and doors (completed prior to 2021), to ensure that poorly performing windows and doors are being identified. In the first instance, maintenance rather than replacement will be the main objective of the inspection. The priority is been given to properties were safety issues have been identified or extremely poor energy performing windows are in place. The replacement is typically energy efficient white PVC windows and frames and composite front doors (maximum U value 1.4 W/m2K).
In 2022, works orders for 377 properties were raised across the county, for the full and partial replacement of windows and doors. In 2023,
- To date 15 works orders have been issued to contractors.
- Final assessment of tenders is being carried out for 108 identified properties, with award expected in the coming week. Subject to procurement rules, additional properties have been identified and will be awarded as part of this tender completion.
- An additional 109 properties have been surveyed and tender documents will be issued mid-April.
- Additional surveys are ongoing with the objective of issuing at tender in June/July 2023.
In addition to the above, windows and doors are also being replaced as part of the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme which commenced in 2021. Typical works require windows and doors to be replaced to ensure a maximum U value 1.4 W/m2K is achieved. To date 67 properties are complete with an additional 169 properties currently on site. Tenders are currently being prepared for works on an additional 80 properties with surveys commencing on an additional 100-120 properties for works to commence in 2023.
It should be noted, delays in the programme have been experienced due to the current demands on the construction market. With the increased level activity/demand in the housing construction and retrofit industry, the availability of materials and qualified trades has been challenging. Housing Maintenance are exploring multiple options to minimise the delays to the programme.