Unfinished Housing Developments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2013

Tuesday, 8 October 2013

Questions (413)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

413. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the High Court case taken against Donegal County Council in relation to the scheme for unfinished estates; his views on whether this judgment could have implications for other local authorities; if he has analysed the judgment in the case with respect to potential implications for other local authorities; if he will allocate additional funding to Donegal County Council to address the additional legal obligations placed on it as a result of the judgment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42387/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

I am chairing the National Co-ordination Committee (NCC) 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 in tackling and resolving the issues faced by residents of unfinished estates and the Committee is meeting on a regular basis to oversee this effort.

Under the Public Safety Initiative for Unfinished Housing Developments my Department has made allocations totalling some € 4.46 million to 23 local authorities from the funding made available to address immediate public safety issues.

The types of works that have been approved to date include the fencing off of unsecured and hazardous areas, capping of pipes, installation of street lighting and other works to secure sites. To date, a total of €2.685 million has been drawn down by local authorities.

No details of legal proceedings being taken against Donegal County Council in regard to unfinished housing developments have been brought to my attention or that of my Department.