Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. It is of great concern that the expected works will take approximately five weeks to complete. The initial estimation was that it would take only a few hours. In five weeks' time we will be well into the Christmas period and the inconvenience the residents will have experienced between now and then will be enormous. It will mean being without proper heating and cooking facilities for almost two months. This will be a nightmare for them. It is not acceptable that more than two weeks have already passed since the matter was identified but the work is still not taking place. I am not sure anything happened on Tuesday. I understand work was to commence today but we do not know what problems will arise.

Is it possible to do something to speed up the process and ensure the work is carried out and completed before Christmas? This involves families who require heating, cooking and privacy. They do not want to have workmen in their homes over the Christmas period. This would be a nightmare and unacceptable. Will the Minister ensure every effort is made to have the work carried out more quickly? Whatever extra measures or personnel are required to have it done in double time should be used so the workmen will have left the premises well before Christmas. Will the Minister also ensure that Dublin City Council carries out a full inspection after the work is complete so that we have a report on the matter which will tell us where we are?

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