Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
414. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of unfinished housing estates in County Carlow; the progress made to date in all categories; the amount of money spent in County Carlow so far on unfinished estates and the outstanding money available to finish those still unfinished. [45721/12]
View answerI presume the question refers to the Unfinished Housing Developments Public Safety Initiative put in place. This initiative was intended to remedy those estates where there were public safety issues for residents and members of the public but where the responsible party could not be pursued in the short term.
Under the initiative unfinished housing developments fall within four categories:
- Category one, where the development is still being actively completed by the developer, or where no serious public safety issues exist;
- Category two, where a receiver has been appointed;
- Category three, where a receiver has not been appointed and the developer is still in place but effectively inactive; and
- Category four, where the development has been effectively abandoned and is posing serious problems for residents.
A total funding allocation of €5 million was made available by my Department for these works and local authorities submitted claims where estates fell into category 4 under the scheme. The types of works that have been approved to date include fencing off unsecured and hazardous areas, capping of pipes, installation of street lighting and other works to secure sites beyond those carried out during the normal taking in charge process.
Carlow County Council applied for funding in respect of 10 such developments and funding of €210,228 was approved by my Department. To date €105,114 has been drawn down with the remaining balance due to be paid on receipt of claims. Details in respect of unfinished housing developments in the Carlow area can be found in the National Housing Development Survey 2011, which may be accessed on my Department’s website, www.environ.ie.
