Unfinished Housing Developments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Questions (305)

Joe McHugh

Question:

305. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a company's declaration of intent to cut off power to a pumping station in a housing estate (details supplied) in County Donegal where the relevant developer has entered liquidation and refuses to pay further electricity bills; if a request has been made by the developer or Donegal County Council to have the estate taken in charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28652/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan)

My Department launched the Public Safety Initiative in March 2011, which provided funding to address immediate public safety issues on unfinished housing developments. The types of works that have been approved 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. The Public Safety Initiative provides funding only in instances where a developer has abandoned the development. However, in circumstances where the developer has gone into liquidation, the responsibility for the maintenance and resolution of issues surrounding the development are matters which need to be addressed between the residents and the liquidators, and my Department has no remit in this regard.

I have been advised that Donegal County Council has written to the Residents Association and outlined a series of practical steps which can be taken by the residents of this development in order to avoid a situation where the pumping station could be disconnected.