Agenda and minutes

I.C.T.U. will make a short opening statement or comments – No formal presentation

Discussion followed

Members thanked the ICTU for presentation

Agreed: ICTU presentation first on the agenda.

·         Correspondence

·         Update on Sub-Groups

o   Condensation: DCC Housing Stock – Next meeting scheduled for Nov 8^th @ 14:30

o   Scheme of Lettings – Next meeting scheduled for Nov 2^nd @ 11:00

·         Correspondence

Ø  No Update

·         Sub-Groups Update:

Ø  Condensation: DCC Housing Stock – members updated as to date of next meeting.

Ø  Scheme of Lettings

Mary Hayes, Administrative Officer updated attendees in relation to last meeting held.

Circulated to members prior to meeting.

Cllr. Christy Burke enquired as to when the Winter Initiative will begin.

Cllr. Cieran Perry sought an update about the Mater Dei and Clontarf Family Hubs.

Cllr. David Costello enquired about the role of the “Placefinders”.

Cllr. Criona Ní Dhálaigh checked if there is a contingency in place when people are being asked to leave hotels over the bank holiday weekend.

Cllr. John Lyons looked for an explanation as to the delay for the Family Hub located at Greencastle and checked if the October schedule for the units in Clontarf was realistic.

Eileen Gleeson, Director of the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) updated members about the Winter Initiative, currently in planning, long-term beds to announced in the coming weeks.

She explained the “Placefinders” role and process and provided an update on the Mater Dei and Clontarf Family Hubs. Eileen explained the reason for the delay

regarding the Hub in Greencastle road and provided an update about the Hub located on St. Laurence road, Clontarf.

Members thanked the DCC staff associated with Homelessness.

Agreed: Report Noted

Reports circulated to members prior to meeting.

Ø Maintenance Update:

Cllr. Janice Boylan requested a breakdown of “Outdoor Staff” Joiners and Choke Car personnel and enquired as to how much work is contracted out. She also checked if Dublin City Council (DCC) could recruit their own staff.

Cllr. D. Costello raised a query about Tender stipulations regarding refurbishment turnaround times and asked about window replacement statistics.

Cllr. Ní Dhálaigh checked if tenants in flat complexes could have the opportunity to recycle, she sought information in relation to new windows for flat complexes where needed. She asked if Value for Money check done for major refurbishment works.

Cllr. Perry had a query in relation to some drain structures and with regard to the Window Replacement Scheme, checked about the evaluation process for people on the list. He queried if there will be an increase in maintenance staff for works scheduled in 2018.

Cllr. Alison Gilliland checked if there are post work inspections carried out after work is completed by a subcontractor.

Cllr. Burke enquired about budget in relation to dampness and sought clarification about demolition works in Croke Villas scheme.

An update relating to Housing maintenance section was circulated.

Frank d’Arcy stated that voids are refurbished both by Contractor and Direct Labour and inspections are carried out prior to completion. He explained that there is a backlog in the Joinery workshop and provided member with statistical information. A framework is being put in place to deal with this backlog and funding has been secured to deal with the same. In relation to dampness query he informed members that a Condensation Sub Group has been established and recommendations will be considered by Housing Management. A planned programme for upgrading of steps in various complexes is being put in place. He provided an update on extension programme. Members sought detail in relation to staff figures for Joinery and Choke Car personnel and this to be provided.

Agreed: Update on Choke Car resources to be made available for the November SPC.

Agreed: Update regarding Window Framework will be sent to Members.

Tony Flynn, Executive Manager, explained the context of actions that were undertaken for the 4 houses in Croke Villas.

Ø Programme of works for City Council flat complexes: Preliminary report.

Brendan Kenny, Assistant Chief Executive, explained the context of the initial document.

Agreed: Flat complex information to be included on the Housing SPC agenda going forward.

Ø   Housing Supply Report

Circulated prior to meeting.

Cllr. Daithi Doolan required updates on Rapid Build projects and enquired as what may alleviate any potential hold-ups. He asked for information about Jamestown Court build.

Cllr. Perry asked if the if the allocations previously agreed for Prospect Hill be adhered to.

Cllr. Pat Dunne enquired if the Dept. of Environment has currently blocked local authorities procuring properties.

Cllr. Alison Gilliland sought assurances about the road in Buttercup Park.

Cllr. Anthony Connaghan enquired if consultation has taken place with local residents regarding the two Rapid Build projects in Finglas  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Circulated to members prior to meeting.

Cllr. Connaghan wanted clarification on aspects of the report (illegal caravans).

Pat Teehan, Administrative Officer, explained the context of the report and stated that DCC are actively seeking new sites to alleviate ongoing issues.

Cllr. Connaghan expressed concerns about the report.

Pat stated that illegal caravans would have to be removed as each caravan or mobile is a fire hazard due to lack of space and illegal electrical connections.

Agreed: Report noted

Agreed: Motion Noted

That Dublin City Council recognises that the traditional family unit has changed in Ireland and that we take cognisance of this fact and allow parents with court agreed custody and access orders to access adequate house sizes from now on.

Agreed: Motion Noted

This Council reaffirms its support for the provision of Caretakers for our Senior Citizens complexes from within the permanent full time staff of Dublin City Council and rejects reported efforts by the Chief Executive to privatise the service

Cllr. Gilliland explained context of Motion.

Discussion followed

Agreed: Motion Noted

This Area Committee calls on the OPW to engage with DCC housing in putting forward PP for the joint building of Housing units on the OPW site in Jamestown Road, Inchicore, that was planned in 2003. With the current housing crisis all state agencies and local authorities need to be working together.

Cllr. Doolan explained context of Motion

Agreed: Motion Noted

The Area Committee instructs the Area Manager, notwithstanding the current process of engagement with the private sector for the identified land initiative/joint venture housing developments, to write to the new Minister for Housing requesting that he fund and support a Council led mixed tenure development, on St. Michael’s site, as a pilot project to demonstrate the benefits of a fully state funded and Council led development designed to meet social and affordable housing need.

Cllr. Doolan explained context of Motion

Agreed: Motion Noted

Agreed: Motion to be forwarded to the City Council meeting for discussion.

Chair and members thanked Céline Reilly, Executive manager for her contribution to the Housing SPC over the last few years and wished her well in her new role.

Chair thanked all for their attendance.

Cllr. Daithi Doolan

CHAIRPERSON