Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
498. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any review of the derelict sites legislation has been conducted by his Department since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25922/13]
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.
As part of this process a Legislative Review Group has been established. Its remit is to review legislation, including the Derelict Sites Act 1990, with a view to assessing the various legislative provisions governing this area, and to make recommendations for strengthening or amending provisions to take account of the issues associated with unfinished developments, where necessary. In regard to the Derelict Sites Act 1990 the Group concluded that the legislation continues to serve its intended purpose.
