Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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327. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Donegal County Council is proposing to demolish a number of houses in a housing development (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14334/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The oversight of social housing provision in any area is the responsibility of the relevant local authority which has statutory responsibility for these matters.  This responsibility includes housing provided in the operational area of a local authority by an Approved Housing Body (AHB), as the local authority will hold the mortgage for such AHB housing.  Local authorities have continuous contacts with the AHBs operating in their areas and the tenanting of social homes would be a key focus of those contacts.

I understand from Donegal County Council that the housing project referred to by the Deputy, was developed by Cluid Housing Association and there are 53 social homes involved, 37 houses and a 16 unit apartment block.  I further understand that some of the apartments were leased to the HSE who more recently, have not renewed the lease on a number of the units in the apartment block, as the block is no longer deemed to be fit for purpose.

Where an AHB has constructed housing, the responsibility for management and maintenance of the housing is a matter for them in conjunction with the local authority. I understand that in this case, the AHB has indicated to Donegal County Council that they need to remediate some of the housing units and are exploring a number of options for such works. The Council is anxious that the repurposing of the facility progresses at an early date and intend to meet soon with Clúid Housing Association on the matter. I'm very keen to see a proposal from the AHB and the Council in this regard, so the housing units can be returned to use.

Further specific information on the current status and future plans for this housing will continue to be available directly from the local authority.