Long waiting list for extensions
CONCERN has been expressed about people, particularly those with disabilities, experiencing delays in having house extensions approved.
The issue arose at a meeting of Sligo Municipal District on Monday
Councillor Declan Bree said he believed there were lengthy delays in the processing of applications from council tenants.
“One family which contacted me made application to the Council for an extension back in early 2014. In March 2015 the Housing office advised me a submission for funding for the project was made to the Department in February of that year and a reply was awaited.
“In July last year the housing office advised me that detailed design and costings were being prepared to enable the extension to go to tender state.
“When I inquired earlier this month I was told that “this is a particularly difficult site and there are issues of a technical nature relating to drainage and adjoining properties, and site levels…” etc. I was told cost estimates have been prepared for submission to the Department for approval as the overall cost exceeded the Department threshold.
“I have to admit I am at a complete loss to comprehend why it takes such a length of time to process an application for such a small extension.
“This family has been waiting three years for the work to commence and the estimates have still not been sent to the Department for approval.
“Another case relates to a family with a very severely disabled child. I have notes of a meeting in September 2015 where the family was told that the construction phase for the extension would be approx nine months with the approximate date for construction of the extension to commence in September 2016.
“It is now June 2017 and not only has construction work not commenced on the extension but planning approval has not even been sought for the extension.”
Senior Executive Officer Joe Murphy said the council had 15 applications as of January 1st 2016, six of which were approved. There had been delays due to staff shortages. Seven applications could be dealt with by other means of accommodation, he said.