Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
461. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action he is taking to help with the problems of persons living in an estate (details supplied) in County Clare that went into liquidation in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49950/12]
View answerI am chairing the National Co-ordination Committee on Unfinished Housing Developments to oversee implementation of the Report of the Advisory Group on Unfinished Housing Developments, together with the Government’s response to the recommendations. The Committee includes representatives from the Irish Banking Federation, local authorities, the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency, NAMA and the construction sector. Real progress is being made with regard to the public safety works required to improve the living conditions of existing residents on some unfinished estates and the Committee is meeting on a regular basis to oversee this effort.
My Department launched the Public Safety Initiative in March 2011, which provided funding to address immediate public safety issues. The types of works that have been approved to date under the PSI include the fencing off of unsecured and hazardous areas, capping of pipes, installation of street lighting and other works to secure sites. Under the PSI, my Department has made allocations totalling some €3.549 million to 21 local authorities from the funding made available. A provision of €2m has been made for 2012 by my Department and to date, a total of €1.897 million has been drawn down by local authorities.
The Public Safety Initiative provides funding only in instances where a developer has abandoned the development. As the developer in question in this instance has gone into liquidation, the responsibility for the maintenance and resolution of issues surrounding the development are matters for the liquidator and financial institutions involved, and my Department has no remit in this regard. However, my Department has been in contact with Clare County Council and I have been advised that proposals to finish off the development of Gleann Cora are at an advanced stage.
