Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 488: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the scheme of works in lieu of council housing is still in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39062/05]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 489: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of works in lieu of council housing applications that have been received by his Department on a county basis in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39063/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 488 and 489 together. The improvement works in lieu scheme enables local authorities to improve or extend privately owned houses occupied by an approved applicant for housing as an alternative to the provision of local authority housing. The operation of the scheme is a matter for local authorities. I have encouraged local authorities to utilise the scheme and other social housing measures available in order to respond to the housing needs in their areas where such interventions are less costly than the provision of a new house. Under the scheme, local authorities have delegated authority to proceed with improvement works where the cost is under €75,000. Information relating to activity under the scheme for each local authority is published in my Department's quarterly and annual bulletins of housing statistics, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.