asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the many undeveloped estates in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area; the number of these estates yet unfinished; the reasons for their non-completion; and what action he intends to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Estates.
38.
I am aware that there are a number of unfinished estates in this area but I am not in a position to give the information requested as to the precise number of such estates or the reasons for their non-completion. It is a matter for the planning authorities concerned to take whatever action may be appropriate.
Does the Minister appreciate the frustration of people living in those housing estates? What can be done to make those people complete the development works there? This happens not alone in this area but throughout Dublin suburbs.
I am aware that some frustration has been caused in certain estates which have not been completed. These have in the main been constructed before the enactment of the 1963 Planning and Development Act which gives adequate powers to control development and to ensure that development is completed. I would suggest to the Deputy this is a matter for the local authorities and that they should press as far as possible with the developers to ensure that they complete their estates. In some cases where the local authority have taken whatever action they can and have not been successful, I would suggest that they adopt a more realistic attitude and take over the estates themselves. I fully agree with the Deputy that in some cases this has gone on continuously for a long number of years. If the local authorities will take over estates that have been left unfinished for a long period this situation can be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
Would the Minister consider circularising local authorities to that effect?
I will consider it.