Concern over the upkeep of council homes

There is concern over the level of upkeep of some council houses by the local authority, writes Keith Bourke.

Cllr Harry Barrett raised the issue at a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District when he argued that the budget provided was not enough to maintain some of the homes owned by the council.

“We have a major issue with our housing stock that need the extra finances or a certain amount of painting,” said Cllr Barrett. “When I ask for repairs to be made we are constantly told there is a funding shortfall and we have to wait, the money isn’t there."

The Independent councillor urged the council to find savings in other areas to add to the maintenance budget.

“I think there is a disparity there,” said Cllr Barrett, who was backed by Cllr Michael Kilcoyne.

“I agree with you fully. There should be money for those people,” said Cllr Kilcoyne. “There is no doubt about it, the rent of people in council houses, local authority houses, was reviewed last year. In many cases, it increased substantially. This money should be used to update those houses where necessary."

Cllr Kilcoyne said rising building costs and a lack of staff is part of the problem and contended that the parties in Government “made sure that there wasn’t enough money". Cllr Donna Sheridan said she was also concerned about the level of funding being provided for maintenance of playgrounds in the Castlebar area.

Director of Services David Mellett told the meeting that the figures being discussed were based on an already approved council budget. He said they had to work within the budget provided. 

Mr Mellett said across the various housing headings there was close to €700,000 provided. He said there is a responsibility on tenants themselves within their tenancy agreements to carry out minor work like painting with not every task the responsibility of the local authority.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.