John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has instructed local authorities to retrofit and insulate only those local authority houses that become vacant; if the scheme to retrofit and insulate local authority houses will be extended to all housing stock; the funding made available in 2009, 2010 and 2011 for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39342/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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In line with overall national policy which promotes a reduction in energy use, the enhancement of energy efficiency standards remains a priority within my Department's overall strategy for the improvement of local authority housing.

Under the Department's Social Housing Investment Programme, local authorities are allocated capital funding each year in respect of a range of measures to improve the standard and overall quality of their social housing stock. The programme includes a retrofitting measure aimed at improving the energy efficiency of older apartments and houses by reducing heat loss through the fabric of the building and the installation of high-efficiency condensing boilers. Given the constraints on new local authority housing supply, it is important that the existing stock of local authority housing is available and in fit condition to meet housing need. Under this year's programme there is a particular focus on returning vacant properties to productive use. Works to occupied units may also be carried out, within the allocation provided, where the local authority considers this appropriate.

Details of the funding provided in respect of the retrofitting measure, including refurbishment works to vacant properties, are set out in the following table:

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if an application from Kilkenny County Council for funding to refurbish a housing scheme (details supplied) will be expedited and approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39343/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Kilkenny County Council has submitted this project as one of its priority projects for the period 2012-2014 under the Social Housing Investment Programme.

The 2012 Housing Programmes for all county and city councils will be determined in early 2012.