Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, everyone should live in safe and healthy accommodation. Damp, mould and cold living conditions are not acceptable, particularly when it is State-provided accommodation. In relation to Oliver Bond, I am informed that Dublin City Council is working on a design in preparation for a Part 8 planning application for the regeneration of Oliver Bond flats, including blocks L, M and N. In the meantime, the council is making a number of interventions including the installation of mechanical ventilation units and the upgrading of windows.

I agree with the Deputy strongly on one point, that regeneration in the Dublin City Council area is far too slow. Senator Mary Seery Kearney has drawn my particular attention to a number of projects in Dublin 8 alongside Oliver Bond flats, for example Dolphin House and Donore Avenue flats, which are taking far too long. It was a specific item of discussion at the last Cabinet subcommittee on housing and it is something I intend to speak to the new city manager about.

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