Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 4

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

163 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the number of unfinished housing estates in the four local authorities in Kerry as reported in the recent survey carried out by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22886/99]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

The most recent information available to my Department on the question of unfinished housing estates in the four Kerry local authority areas is as follows:

Local Authority	No. of Unfinished Estates
Kerry County Council	10
Killarney UDC	2
Listowel UDC	1
Tralee	2

New requirements on planning authorities concerning the taking in charge of housing estates are provided in the Planning and Development Bill, 1999. The Bill provides that where an estate has been completed to the satisfaction of the local authority, the authority must take an estate in charge when the developer or a majority of the residents request that the authority do so, through the procedures set out in the Roads Act 1993. Where an estate is unfinished, and the period, seven years for taking enforcement action has expired, and a majority of the residents so request, the planning authority will be obliged to take the estate in charge. The Bill is currently before the Seanad.

Willie Penrose

Question:

164 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the progress, if any, made to date by his Department in considering the submission by Westmeath County Council for grant aid to refurbish, renew or reconstruct houses at Ennell Court, Mullingar, County Westmeath; when a final favourable decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22964/99]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

An application for funding under the remedial works scheme was received from the council on 20 November 1997 in respect of this estate. The proposed works included the refurbishment of the houses, rewiring, the replacement of windows and doors, the provision of central heating, together with environmental works to the estate. The cost was estimated to be in the order of £500,000 at 1997 prices. Following discussions between the council and technical officers of my Department, the council undertook to review its proposals for the estate. I understand that the council has appointed consultants and agreed a brief to develop revised proposals. When the council's revised proposals are received in my Department, a decision on funding will be made as soon as possible.