Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is my understanding that what was undertaken was a review of these particular units to get some insight into the possible benefits of undertaking renovation works and the likely difficulties that would be encountered. I am told that in the context of the particular group of terraced houses examined, the estimated cost of works was in the region of €863,000, VAT inclusive. In respect of the terrace of 16 houses, this gives an average cost per house of €53,937, if we could preserve 16 houses. However, on the basis of the survey undertaken it was concluded that of the 16 terraced houses, ultimately only nine feasible units could be produced from the renovations. This would put the cost per unit at €95,888. These are not costs that I could stand over in the context of a particular proposal.

Since this was an initial assessment, I have no difficulty asking whether there are buildings in a better state of repair or whether works could be carried out at a lesser cost. However, my understanding is that this terrace was used as a representative example of the difficulties that exist and the types of structure that are in place to get some sense of the costs involved, and I have outlined the costing I have been given.

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