Written answers

Thursday, 8 March 2012

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Local Authority Housing

5:00 pm

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the work he is undertaking to ensure there are no more stoppages to regeneration work in an estate (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [13086/12]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Government is fully committed to progressing the National Regeneration Programme and to improving the lives of those living in our most disadvantaged communities. This year the total funding available for the Social Housing Investment Programme will be over €390 million. Capital allocations to local authorities for 2012, will shortly be announced, including allocations to authorities in respect of their regeneration programmes.

Despite the difficult economic circumstances in which we find ourselves, we will continue to protect, to the greatest extent possible, the level of capital investment in regeneration. In that context, I am anxious to ensure that the construction of the 75 social houses and associated works on a new crèche and estate office in St Michaels Estate is progressed to completion as quickly as possible. To this end, the necessary funding will be made available to Dublin City Council under this year's regeneration allocation.

The Building Works Contract entered into for the construction works at St. Michael's Estate is between Dublin City Council, as the Employer under the terms of the contract, and the contractor, BAM Builders Ltd. My Department is not a party to the contract and, as such, I am not directly involved. My Department's involvement is primarily concerned with the provision of the necessary capital funding to support the construction project. However, I am well aware of the challenging nature of regeneration projects due to the large number of stakeholders involved, the need to manage the relocation of a resident community and indeed the issues that can arise on brown-field sites. I am aware also of the on-site issues which resulted in the cessation of work for a two-week period at St. Michael's Estate. Both the Employer and the Contractor are bound by the terms of the contract and, where disputes arise, these must be dealt with in accordance with these terms.

I am pleased that the contractor and the City Council are working together, within the terms of the contract, to ensure this project is delivered as designed and on time. Following the recent work stoppage, and discussions between the parties, the contractor is back on site and proceeding with the works with a commitment from both parties to the contract to ensure the satisfactory completion of this project.

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