Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I share the Deputies' concern that the construction of the 75 social houses and associated works on a new crèche and estate office in St. Michael's Estate is progressed to completion as quickly as possible. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan, will announce details of the capital allocations under the social housing investment programme for 2012 very shortly.

I can assure the House that substantial capital funding will be made available to Dublin City Council in order that regeneration projects at St. Michael's Estate and other areas, such as Dolphin House, St. Teresa's Gardens and O'Devaney Gardens, can be progressed as quickly as possible.

I appreciate that contractual disputes have the potential to delay the delivery of much-needed regeneration projects. I am conscious that in the case of St. Michael's Estate, there are onerous responsibilities on both the city council and the contractor to execute the contract in accordance with the terms of the contract. Given that the Department is not a party to the contract, the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, cannot involve herself or interfere in any way with the dispute resolution procedures which are prescribed in the contract and which are proceeding. I share with the Minister of State and the Deputies here today the concern of all that a solution is found and that work can be progressed as quickly as possible.

See this speech in context