EU aid key to 2,000 council flats

The refurbishment of 2,000 council flats depends upon EU aid money, Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan has told the Cabinet.

The Government has applied for €100m in structural fund help in order to modernise 1,500 local authority dwellings in Dublin, 300 in Cork, and 200 in Limerick.

The flats are in need of modernisation and energy-efficiency measures, said Ms O’Sullivan.

She also reported to the Cabinet on moves to turn boarded-up vacant units into habitable dwellings as part of a €35m scheme announced earlier this year.

The Limerick TD said: “My report to Cabinet focused on the major investment this year that will transform boarded up houses into good-quality homes.

“An investment of €35m will bring back approximately 1,750 units. This is the quickest way to increase the supply of local authority housing and is also good for communities as it removes a vacant unit that can often become a focus for anti-social behaviour.

“I also informed colleagues of a funding application that will seek European Investment Bank and EU funding of €100m to refurbish 2,000 flats. Many of these flats in Dublin, for instance, were built in the 1950s or 1960s and have poor energy-efficiency.

“This funding application, if successful will radically enhance these homes and give tenants lower energy bills and warmer homes.”