asked the Minister for Local Government the number of housing estates remaining to be taken in charge in Rathdown, County Dublin; and the reasons for the delay in taking these estates in charge.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Housing Estates.
19.
I am informed by Dublin County Council that the number of housing estates in the Rathdown area which have not yet been taken in charge by the council is 36. The primary reason for the delay in taking many of these estates in charge is the failure of developers to complete certain works to the satisfaction of the council. I understand that it is hoped that 13 of the estates will be taken in charge by the council within the next six months. Arrangements have been made for outstanding works to be undertaken, or work is in progress, in the case of four estates, while in ten more cases requests to the council from developers for the taking in charge of estates which are stated to be completed have only recently been received. In six cases, further negotiations with developers are necessary. Finally there are three cases in the Rathdown area where estates appear to have been completed but to date no request has been received from the developers for the taking of the estates in charge.
Is the Minister aware of the problem confronting the people in the Redesdale Estate in Stillorgan? This estate was completed in 1955 and it still remains to be taken in charge. Now, the blame lies at someone's doorstep. As public representatives, we are continually pleaded with to have the problem dealt with. It is representative of the type of problem that exists in the constituency of Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown. Can the Minister give any indication as to when the Redesdale Estate, for instance, which was completed in 1955 will be taken in charge? The Minister may be aware of this.
Yes, I am. I may say that I am not satisfied that the present position with regard to this particular type of case is satisfactory and I am examining the position to see what can be done to provide more effective ways of dealing with cases like that.
Is the Minister aware that in this particular case——
When the Minister——
Deputy Cosgrave.
It is my question.
And he was up first.
I will defer to my senior colleague.
Is the Minister aware that part of the problem is that certain rights were assigned to a man of straw and, as a result, the county council could not take action? Has the Minister any power to deal with that type of situation?
In a case like this it is necessary to ensure that the local authorities themselves will do what they failed to get the private developer to do.
Does the Minister contemplate legislation to take care of this problem?
It may be necessary to have further legislation.