Greens deliver on promises to apartment dwellers – Gormley

Green Party leader and Environment Minister John Gormley today spoke of how he had delivered substantial improvements for people living in apartments. In September 2007 apartments accounted for over 20 per cent of all new dwellings nationally and about 80 per cent in Dublin City. So these changes will improve the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of people, he said.

Minister Gormley continued: "The Greens have introduced changes to ensure that apartment dwellers can live in high quality environments.

"In the last two years I have introduced new legislation covering the design of new urban developments; standards for rented accommodation including structural repairs, damp, heating and lighting; and standards for the size of new apartments particularly considering the needs of families.

"Last week the Government approved the Multi-Unit Developments Bill, which will establish owners’ management companies responsible for administering fair and transparent annual service charges and for for common areas. The owners themselves will also be able to create rules to enhance the quiet and peaceful occupation of their own developments.

"Our changes mean that the standard of living for apartment dwellers will improve vastly. The design of apartments will now take into consideration the needs of families living in apartments – including more storage and living space.

"We are looking at making apartment buildings in urban areas more attractive places to live, with better services and high standard communal spaces.

"The standards also apply to rented properties so tenants are ensured a good experience in rented apartments."

[ENDS]

Please note: Minister Gormley is available for phone interviews about these issues today.

Information:
Damian Connon: 087 228 1119

A leaflet containing more details on the changes, which is being circulated to apartment dwellers across the country, is available at: http://download.greenparty.ie/AppartmentsLeaflet_DL_FINAL.pdf