Almost 250 council homes have been retrofitted

NEARLY 250 council homes have been retrofitted since a scheme identifying housing stock needs was implemented by South Dublin County Council in 2021.

With 9,787 dwellings in council ownership, Cllr Derren Ó Brádaigh (SF) says the local authority identified 449 homes for retrofitting which “represents less than 5 per cent in need of such upgrades.”

“I am informed that 248 have been completed to date. Whilst progress is somewhat slow and overall numbers are low, I am encouraged by the headway being made,” said Cllr Ó Brádaigh.

“Deep retrofits of the council’s housing stock are not only an essential requirement as set out by the Local Authority Retrofit Programme, that requires our council to upgrade their housing stock to a B2 standard, but also represents a crucial investment toward driving carbon emissions down and keeping families and particularly older residents warm in their homes.

“In relation to the remainder of homes, I have received data that says 185 homes are listed for completion in the ‘immediate period’. The timeframe to complete surveys once a list of properties has been issued to an obligated party to survey is between 1-3 months,” said Ó Brádaigh

Energy efficiency works in council buildings includes upgrading office lighting to LED.

Ó Brádaigh believes the installation of solar panels on all new buildings “must become a reality.”

“It is imperative that we are applying well thought-out construction, in delivering both housing and office premises to importantly meet climate care obligations.”