I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 240 together.
My Department does not collect information on each and every planning security held in respect of all housing developments in the country, as this is a matter for the individual local authorities. General guidance has been issued to all planning authorities on matters such as recommended types of securities, requirements for securities, default events, standard templates for wording of bonds, recommended levels of funding to be provided by securities and arrangements for their ultimate release when a development is complete. This guidance is available on my Department’s website at www.environ.ie .
Each local authority has a co-ordinator in place for action on unfinished housing developments, and they are working with my Department and all relevant stakeholders in progressing the Government’s Action Programme on such developments. I will be publishing a report on progress achieved under this programme later this year.
Information on bonds held by local authorities may be obtained from the authority concerned.