Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 to 76, inclusive, and 87 to 90, inclusive, together.

The regeneration of Oliver Bond House sits within the parameters of the National Regeneration Programme which targets the country’s most disadvantaged communities; those defined by the most extreme social exclusion, unemployment and anti-social behaviour in accordance with Housing Circular N11/2007 Policy Framework for Regeneration of Local Authority Estates.

It is the responsibility of Local Authorities to identify opportunities to advance Regeneration Programmes in line with this Circular within their respective administrative areas. The aim for regeneration projects is to create sustainable communities through a combination of social, educational and economic initiatives and also by rejuvenating the built environment by a mixture of demolition, construction and refurbishment of dwellings. Although my Department funds Local Authorities for much of this investment, Local Authorities, in developing their regeneration programmes, are required to adopt a holistic and strategic approach involving multiple local and national agencies in an integrated scheme that is designed to create sustainable communities and to address the underlying causes of deprivation in the area.

Dublin City Council works closely with the Oliver Bond Regeneration Forum in ensuring the progression of the phased regeneration of the complex. The forum members include residents of Oliver Bond House, DCC officials, representatives from the Gardaí, a representative from Túsla, Robert Emmet CDP, Local Councillors, a full time community development work and it is led by an independent Chairperson.

The regeneration of the Oliver Bond House complex by Dublin City Council (DCC) has my Departments full support. My Department provided Stage 1 Capital Appraisal approval to DCC for the redevelopment for the flats in Blocks L, M and N, on the 16th March 2022. This allowed for a guarantee of Departmental support whilst also tasking DCC to investigate a review of options to find the most suitable solution for the site.

My Department provided funding approval for four regeneration projects at Oliver Bond House in November 2023. These projects are as follows:

• N29-2-988 Social Housing Delivery
• N29-2-1057 Oliver Bond Community Centre
• N29-2-1058 Oliver Bond Precinct Improvement Works
• N29-2-1059 Oliver Bond Social Integration

These approvals allow for both the provision of a community centre and the appointment of a Community Development Worker.

The provision of a community centre will not only complement the upcoming physical regeneration of the complex and provide much-needed quality housing but also create a thriving community hub that will enhance the quality of life for all residents as well as protecting the investment in physical infrastructure. The location of the Community Centre is a matter for DCC in consultation with local community groups and the approval from my Department allows for this to be developed in a location that best meets the needs of the local community.

DCC have advised that the location of the community centre is currently under discussion between DCC Housing, DCC area office and the Regeneration Forum and it has to be viewed in terms of what is in the long term benefits for the residents of Oliver Bond House.

With regard to the funding for a Community Development Worker, my Department has committed to providing funding for 4 years initially and it is open to the LA to seek further funding if deemed necessarily.

The above approvals also allow for improvements to the complex including landscape works, installation of bollards, general precinct improvement works and community consultation costs.

DCC have advised that they have recently received a proposal for a housing officer function and the Council area office is currently liaising with local organisations to understand further the remit and function of this proposed role.

For Public Works contracts such as redevelopment it is a matter for DCC to bring forward proposals for Capital Works Management Framework Stage approvals from my Department. The stage applied for by the Council is dependent on the progress of the redevelopment involved. Stage 1 Capital Appraisal is applied for based on feasibility studies and order of magnitude costs of what the proposed regeneration project will provide and estimated costs. Achieving Stage 1 Capital Appraisal approval is a significant milestone in a project and gives the Council approval to appoint a design team to bring the design development to planning lodgement stage. At Stage 2 submission, significant work will have been completed to examine the existing structures and redesign the new homes in preparation of a full planning application.

Dublin City Council appointed an architect from the Council’s City Architects division to lead a design team on the regeneration of Oliver Bond House.The Council are currently in the process of procuring a multi-disciplinary design team, due to be completed by March 2024. The initial concept design has been completed. Once fully appointed, the design team will commence the scheme design and progress the design to planning stage. This is expected to be completed in Q2 2025 and progressed to planning in Q3 2025. Once planning approval is secured, the design team will progress the design and prepare all tender documents to commence procurement of a construction contractor in Q2 2026. It expected that the construction of phase 1 will commence on site in Q4 2026 and be completed in early 2029.

The management and maintenance of DCC’s housing stock is strictly a matter for the Local Authority. DCC have advised that the Council has been undertaking works to improve the living conditions of the residents as well as the structure of the complex. On an ongoing basis there are four caretakers assigned to the complex. Their duties include maintaining common areas, presenting waste for collection and reporting any repairs and accidents in the complex. These caretakers are assigned to the Oliver Bond complex on a full time basis. All maintenance repair requests are responded to in accordance with Housing Maintenance procedures.

They have surveyed all of the units for mechanical ventilation and installed vents in 308 units. 49 tenants refused to have mechanical ventilation installed. Of the remaining 34, DCC are currently working to gain access to install ventilation

DCC have informed my Department that their maintenance staff are currently examining the condition of windows in the units for the purpose of upgrading all single glazed windows to double glazed. 12 blocks have completed surveys and the tender process will start as soon as the remaining surveys are complete. These improvement measures will be implemented in collaboration with the residents.

DCC have also informed my Department that they are actively engaged with the residents on an individual level to address issues brought to their attention. Officers from the City Council engage through the Robert Emmet CDP and attend meetings with resident groups to hear their concerns and shared information on planned and proposed work.

In the longer term, DCC is fully committed to making a positive intervention in all the 391 apartments and will continue to pursue this via its application for grant funding and its collaboration with local residents, elected members and my Department.