Annual Budget 2013 - Roscommon County Council

Division A | Housing and Building
A03 Housing Rent and Tenant Purchase Administration
Tenant Purchase
The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has announced the ending of the 1995
Tenant Purchase Scheme with effect from the 31st December 2012. Applications received on or before the closing
date will be processed as quickly as possible in 2013. It is anticipated that the DECLG will introduce a new purchase
scheme in mid 2013.
In 2011 the Government introduced the 2011 Fixed Term Tenant Purchase for tenants in Local Authority houses
for over 10 years. Sales under this scheme were finalised in 2012.
A total of 10 houses were sold under both Schemes in 2012.
Sale of Rural Housing Plots
In 2012 the Council advertised 13 rural houses for sale and tenders were accepted for 6 of the houses. Sales will
be completed to successful bidders in 2013.
A04 Housing Community Development Support
A number of initiatives have been undertaken over the past number of years under the heading of estate
management. In 2012 Roscommon County Council leased a second house to Lisnamult Residents Association
Limited. The house will be used as a Resource Centre and is known as Marian House. In addition the Council
leased a house at Henry Street, Roscommon to Roscommon Community Playschool. It is essential that vibrant
and committed local communities are supported, encouraged and empowered to play a meaningful role in social
partnership. The Housing Liaison Officer continues to meet with Council tenants on a regular basis. The officer
works closely with agencies including the Health Service Executive, Gardaí, Roscommon LEADER Partnership, local
sports and voluntary groups, Tenants and Residents Associations.
The completion of pre-tenancy training continues to be a prerequisite for all Local Authority tenants and the Estate
Management Plan adopted by the Council will assist in ensuring a consistent approach in managing estates.
A05 Administration of Homeless Service
The Roscommon Homeless Forum Action Plan 2008 – 2011 was adopted by this Council on 28th April, 2008. It is
an integrated strategy to tackle homelessness in County Roscommon.
A sum of €29,300 (including Service Support Costs) has been included in the Budget for the provision of emergency
accommodation for homeless persons. Expenditure incurred by Local Authorities is recoupable at a rate of 90%
from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
A06 Support to Housing Capital & Affordable Programme
Affordable Housing Scheme
The Junior Minister for Housing announced a standing down of Affordable Housing programmes in June 2011 and
has commissioned a comprehensive review of Part V of the Planning & Development Act 2000.
Sale of Private Sites
The Council continues to have available a number of fully serviced sites for sale to first time buyers. The sites are
sold at a significant discount from market value and purchasers are allowed to select their own house type subject
to planning permission being granted. There are currently 12 sites available to purchase, one at Ardsallaghmore,
Roscommon Town and eleven at Forest View, Boyle.
Roscommon County Council | Comhairle Chontae Ros Comain | Adopted Budget 2013 | For year ended 31st December 2013
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