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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 5

Priority Questions. - Urban Renewal Report.

Eoin Ryan

Question:

17 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment when he will publish the report on urban renewal which is currently with his Department; and the future plans, if any, he has for urban renewal. [21301/96]

The consultants' report on the impact of the urban renewal schemes as they have operated to date will be completed shortly. It is my intention that the report will be published as soon as possible after it has been received and examined in my Department and in the Department of Finance. The report's recommendations in relation to the future direction of urban renewal will have to be fully considered before future policy is decided.

I am disappointed at the answer given by the Minister of State because it is more or less the same as the one we were given last summer. Urban renewal schemes have been a major success. Time is an important factor in regard to them. As the Minister is well aware, a number of large schemes in Dublin are awaiting a Government decision. One, in particular, on the north side of the city is probably the largest and most exciting private urban renewal scheme in the history of this State. Those involved in it must be informed of future plans before they can continue with their work under the scheme. The words "shortly" and "as soon as possible" are not satisfactory.

The Deputy must proceed by way of question.

Will the Minister give a definite timeframe as to when the Government will make a decision on this matter to give those involved in that scheme an idea of how they might proceed with work?

I want the review completed as quickly as possible. It is almost complete. The review will be comprehensive. When I initiated this review I probably underestimated the comprehensiveness of the brief I gave to the consultants. This is the first time a review on urban renewal schemes has been carried out. It includes not only the financial implications involved — the traditional yardstick used for measuring the success of schemes — but also the architectural and social impact of urban renewal designation. It is a major review and I am impatient for it to be available into the public arena. I can assure the Deputy that I am confident that it will be completed in a short time, but I cannot give a date because we are dependent on the consultants. I assure the Deputy that I am well aware of the concerns regarding a timeframe that apply to certain projects, not only in Dublin city but elsewhere. Difficulties have arisen for a raft of reasons and that has created problems for those developing sites, who are not at fault in that regard. I am seriously considering that problem and, having worked in the building industry, I assure the Deputy that I am conscious of the need to make decisions in regard to the review at the earliest possible date and I am committed to that.

Will the Minister consider giving instructions to the consultants carrying out the report that it should be completed before a certain date? The Minister said she wants the report to consider not only the financial benefits of urban renewal but other aspects of it, with which I agree. If we miss the boat or there is a downturn in the property market, we will lose the momentum we have built up and will end up with sites remaining derelict, as has been the case for the past 25 years. The Minister must act on this matter as quickly as possible. As the Minister is aware, there is a growing perception that nothing is happening and the people involved in these schemes want to put the plans in place. Will the Minister ask the consultants to complete the report by a certain date.

I can assure the Deputy that the review is very near completion. We must ensure it is printed to make accessible to the public. There is no delay on the part of the consultants. I have ensured that the work is being carried out as speedily as possible and we are nearing the point of completion when we will put the report in the public arena and decisions can be made as a consequence of the review.

The Minister of State said that during the summer.

It is important to ensure that policy is informed by the findings of this major review. I am as impatient as the Deputy and anxious to ensure that the review is completed and finalised and the decisions which flow from it are made as quickly as possible. While I have undertaken to do this, I have to ensure also that the review does what it has set out to do. This is the first time that such a review has been carried out. It should cover all aspects and factors and its findings should inform urban renewal policy, perhaps into the next century. I am happy that the consultants are working to complete the review as quickly as possible and understand it is at the point of finalisation. I have made it clear to them publicly that their report should be published as speedily as possible and that the views of those with a particular interest in the matter and of those most directly affected should be taken into account.

Is the Minister of State saying the report has not arrived in her Department, that it is still with the consultants and that it will be published as soon as it is received?

I have not received a copy of the report which is being finalised by the consultants. I expect it will not take long to complete the process. It will then have to be printed. It should be widely available to allow members of the public comment on its findings and recommendations to which they should have an input.

Is the Minister of State saying the Department has not received a draft, that the report is still with the consultants? I agree wholeheartedly it is important that it is widely circulated to allow all those involved to discuss it. Will the Minister of State clarify that it will be published as quickly as possible?

I expect to receive the final report from the consultants shortly. I have not seen it and I expect it will not be long before I do. It will then be placed in the public arena.

Has the Minister of State seen the cover?

I will not specify a date or allow the Deputy to put me in a corner. The final report will form the basis for public discussion and an input by the Deputies.

Has the Minister of State seen a draft?

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