Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Demountable Dwellings.
- Demountable Dwelling Standards 2 speeches
The Minister said local authorities would urgently inspect storm-damaged dwellings and that his Department was reviewing their standards and specifications.
Pat the Cope Gallagher, Liam Kavanagh
- Funding Repairs to Storm-Damaged Dwellings 6 speeches
Gallagher sought funds to repair or replace damaged dwellings, particularly in Donegal; the Chair ruled this a separate question and stopped further discussion.
Pat the Cope Gallagher, Thomas J. Fitzpatrick
asked the Minister for the Environment if he proposes altering the specification for demountable dwellings in view of the damage caused to those dwellings, particularly in coastal areas, during the recent storm.
Comment on this
Demountable dwellings are temporary and designed to meet special kinds of housing needs — in particular the accommodation of elderly persons living in areas where a continuing need for the dwellings is not anticipated. In view of the damage caused by recent storms, I am asking local authorities to carry out an urgent review of the present condition of any such dwellings provided by them. I should also say that a special examination of the standards and specifications for demountable dwellings currently in use by local authorities was intitiated by my Department some time ago.
Comment on this
I am pleased to hear that the Minister is having inspections carried out in all local authority areas. I take it that this will be done in the near future. Will the Minister make money available to those counties, especially County Donegal, where much damage has been done to these dwellings, to enable them to be replaced or repaired?
Comment on this
If the Chair represented County Donegal he would realise the need for some leniency on this question. We are talking about the homes of old people who are unable to speak for themselves or defend themselves.