Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Would it be possible to invite the Minister for housing in specifically to discuss the regeneration of flat complexes around Dublin? As an example, the refurbishment and redevelopment of communities and flat complexes in Dublin Bay South and in the south inner city is desperately needed.The regeneration is moving at a snail's pace. Residents are having to live in accommodation that is completely unacceptable. There is a situation where rats are running freely around developments not too far from here, including Leo Fitzgerald House, Pearse House and over near Bishop Street. Almost all the flats have significant issues around maintenance. Residents are expected to live in conditions that none of us would be willing to put up with. We need to have a debate on regeneration. I was in a local community centre seven years ago to discuss the redevelopment of St. Andrew's Court. There is a very small block of flats there. Again, that is not too far from here. That was seven years ago and nothing has happened. The flats that were there are still there and they have been empty in the middle of a housing crisis. The council has said it is going to take another three years before 33 flats will be built. It will, therefore, be ten or 11 years before the council can deliver 33 flats for social housing. That is completely unacceptable. We need to fast-track regeneration and redevelopment of flat complexes around the city. I ask that the Minister come into the House to debate this issue and look at a way to ensure that residents are not expected to put up with and live in accommodation that is completely unacceptable in 2025.