Ahern Announces Housing Allocations Of 756m euro

The allocation of €700 million provides for a continuation of a large scale local authority housing programme. This allocation also provides for the scheme of extensions to local authority housing to relieve overcrowding and the improvement works in lieu of local authority housing scheme.

Minister Ahern said "Last year local authorities completed/acquired in excess of 5,000 dwellings and I anticipate that given the level of work currently in progress under the multi-annual programme in the region of 4,500 new completions should be delivered this year". Minister Ahern added that the quality of the housing being provided by local authorities is excellent with many of the new estates now being provided designed to a very high quality.

The €26 million funding for the Remedial Works Scheme will enable refurbishment work to continue to dwellings in 57 local authority estates throughout the country and allow for the designation of some new projects for funding.

€30 million is being provided in 2003 for the provision of Traveller accommodation. This is an increase of €6.9 million on the 2002 allocation and provides for the continuing increase in activity under the five-year programme 2000 to 2004. Minister Ahern said that this increased funding is an indication of the Government’s commitment to meeting the housing needs of the Traveller community. Minister Ahern added that it is important that all local authorities take all necessary measures to progress schemes for the accommodation of Travellers.