Vol. 486 No. 3
56 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the negotiations, if any, which have taken place with the Department of the Environment and Local Government to ensure proper planned recreational areas in all future housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21501/97]
79 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure every local authority provides play areas and playing pitches for recreational purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21488/97]
86 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the plans, if any, he has to increase the funding for the provision of recreational facilities and amenities in built up areas in future and existing local authority estates, where there is very high density housing, relatively high unemployment and crime rates and virtually no amenities. [2383/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 79 and 86 together.
Local authorities are empowered, under the Local Government Act, 1994, to provide, operate and maintain parks and open spaces for amenity and recreational purposes. Under the planning Acts, planning authorities' development plans must contain objectives for preserving, improving and extending amenities in their areas. This provision will be examined in the review of the planning process currently under way to see if it is necessary to strengthen it.
When deciding planning applications, a planning authority must have regard to the policies set out in the plan and may attach conditions to permissions requiring the provision of appropriate facilities. The provision of open spaces, recreational facilities, amenity areas, etc. in local authority housing schemes is a matter for the individual housing authorities in the first instance. Appropriate limited facilities of this kind are funded as part of the cost of a housing scheme from my Department's capital allocations. Local authorities have been advised, in guidelines issued by the Department, that new housing should comprise small, well designed schemes, be integrated as far as possible with housing and other developments in the area, create a good living environment for the residents and be convenient to various services and amenities.
Funding is available under my Department's remedial works scheme to assist housing authorities to carry out major essential works of a structural nature to dwellings in designated run-down housing estates. The objective is not only to upgrade the fabric of the dwellings but to improve the living conditions of the tenants. For this reason, works of an environmental nature, including limited amenity and recreational facilities, may be included as part of a project where they are considered necessary to support the work undertaken on the dwellings.
The Minister set out to be a reforming Minister. I hope he will reform local authority housing schemes so that recreational amenities and housing are provided in tandem. Does he agree that since the foundation of the State, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, massive mistakes have been made in building local authority and private housing estates? The Minister of State, Deputy Molloy, will recall that I spoke at length on this matter last week during the debate on the planning Bill. How can we, as Members of this House, justify what happened in places such as Ronanstown, Neilstown and Tallaght in Dublin, in Knocknaheeny in Cork city and Ballybeg in Waterford where thousands of local authority houses were built without any recreational facilities or amenities? I constantly raise this matter at local authority level, but I might as well speak to the wall. I heard what the Minister said in his reply, but the authorities do not appear to have the will or, more importantly, the money to do what is necessary. I stated here on another occasion that for every £1 spent on building houses we should spend £1 on providing recreational and amenity facilities. Will the Minister attempt to do that? Many of the problems in our society, whether they involve drink, drugs, crime or joy riding, are allied to the fact that there are no facilities available in built up areas. The Minister stated that he is spearheading his housing drive towards smaller estates, but will he do something for the deprived people in the massive sprawling estates where there are no facilities and the few open spaces are occupied by stray horses?
I agree with much of what the Deputy said. We made appalling mistakes in the 1970s and 1980s for which we are suffering now. I hope we have learned from them. The Deputy is right that we must correct those mistakes. The Cabinet committee dealing with social inclusion is trying to do that. The Minister of State and I will ensure those mistakes are not repeated.
What will be done for the estates that have already been built?
The Cabinet committee dealing with social inclusion is examining that matter. The remedial works programme deals with more than the mere fabric of houses. A subcommittee of that committee is examining the wider infrastructure in existing estates and we hope to be able to do something in certain designated areas in the near future.
Apart from existing refurbishment schemes, will the Minister provide grants to local authorities to enable them tackle the requirements of deprived areas? In regard to private schemes, where similar problems exist, will he examine the planning laws to ensure that planning permission cannot be obtained unless proper recreational facilities and amenities are provided?
This will be included in the review of the planning process taking place. Submissions have been made and the matter must be examined carefully. It may be necessary to put in place a stronger statutory base to levy private developers to ensure facilities are provided for the wider community. The Deputy also referred to private schemes. The Department's remedial works scheme is not confined specifically to dealing with the fabric of houses, an allowance is provided for some community resources. I understand ADM is providing money for this purpose, particularly in private schemes and that should be encouraged.
Is the Minister undertaking an assessment, through the local authorities, of the areas worst affected by this problem? If not, will he consider doing so as it could help the work of the Cabinet committee dealing with social inclusion?
That is happening and the areas have been well identified.
Does the Minister accept the biggest problem relates to the provision of indoor recreational facilities? Money spent on such facilities might save the State money, given the amount of damage being done in some housing estates because of the social problems which stem from the lack of recreational facilities?
There is a lack of indoor and outdoor facilities. Both aspects of the problem will be examined.
Will Question No. 52 on today's Order Paper be held over to the next occasion the Minister answers questions in the House?
I will note that.
