Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1172. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if inspections were conducted prior to the acquisition by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council of 12 homes at Holly Park estate, Shankill; if any structural defects, dampness, ventilation issues or other safety concerns were identified; whether any remedial works were required or carried out either before or after the acquisition; the total cost to the council for the acquisition; if he is aware that many of the tenants allocated these homes were HAP tenants previously living in overcrowded private accommodation; if the council was aware of this when allocating the properties; if these tenants can now be required to accept allocations that would lock them into overcrowded conditions in the long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18874/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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It is strictly a matter for the Local Authority to manage Social Housing Allocations, assess the condition of Local Authority stock and carry out necessary refurbishment works.

Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council (DLR) has advised that Holly Park was purchased in 2024 in order to prevent 12 families from becoming homeless.

A visual survey was conducted by the Council in 2023 prior to purchase and in May 2024, prior to the sale closing, a more detailed survey was conducted by consultants to determine further works that may be required. DLR is commencing the process of tendering for a contractor to carry out these works.

The Council's Housing Allocation Scheme, through access to transfer lists, makes provision for tenants where overcrowding occurs. It should be emphasised that the purchase of these units has prevented these families from becoming homeless.

Once the property is purchased tenants are required to sign a tenancy agreement and commence paying rent. This will not affect their positions on the overcrowding transfer list which is operated in line with the Council’s Allocation Scheme.