asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that Clonkeen estate, Blackrock/Deansgrange, County Dublin, has not yet been taken in charge; and when it is intended that it will be.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Estate.
10.
The taking in charge of housing estates is a matter for the local authority concerned, in this instance, Dublin County Council.
I brought this housing estate up again for attention because of the outrageous situation——
A question, Deputy Andrews.
I am coming to the question, Sir, but the content of what I say will be a rather long question in the circumstances of the seriousness of the situation existing in the constituency of Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown—to be known as the constituency of Dún Laoghaire in the future. The non-taking in charge of this estate is symptomatic of quite a number of other estates in the area which yet remain to be taken in charge. I know, to my certain knowledge, that——
The Deputy is not asking a specific question.
There is one estate in Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown still awaiting taking in charge after 20 years. Has the Minister any more specific information in relation to this matter?
Very little more. I am sure Deputy Andrews knows almost as much as I do about it. To put it on record, the situation is, as Deputy Andrews knows, that the taking in charge of private housing estates is a matter for the local authority. The estate is the property of the developer until such time as the development is completed and taken in charge. Dublin County Council have indicated that Clonkeen estate consists of two separate developments, one of 138 houses at Meadow Vale estate and 46 houses at Pottery Road. The development was carried out by Foxrock and Brewery Limited and the erection of the houses was completed in 1973. A formal application for the taking in charge of the estate was made to the county council in July, 1974. A survey of works required to bring the estate to the requisite standard was carried out and the list of outstanding works— mainly concrete aprons and footpaths —was notified to the developers. The developers indicated that they are willing to complete the outstanding works but delay has occurred because of the difficulty in getting a contractor. A further survey was carried out in February, 1975, and the council are maintaining pressure on the developers and have got a firm indication from them that all outstanding works will be completed soon. When that is done the council will take the estate in charge.
I am most grateful to the Minister for the information he has given me.