Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2023
151. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will fund the installation of water softeners in council-owned homes to protect appliances and plumbing systems from damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5777/23]
View answerThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Local authorities also have a legal obligation to ensure that all of their tenanted properties are compliant with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2019. These Regulations specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, dampness, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical supplies.
My Department does provide annual funding support to local authorities under a number of focused funding programmes, namely, Voids, Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme and the Disabled Person Grants. The selection of properties for inclusion in these programmes and nature of works to be completed in line with the criteria of the schemes is a matter for each individual local authority. The implementation of these focused programmes is separate to the local authorities' legal responsibilities to ensure rental standards are met in all their lettable housing stock in compliance with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2019.
