Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
664. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding ghost estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46070/13]
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 and 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. The Committee is meeting on a regular basis.
Site Resolution Plans (SRPs) are a key tool in resolving issues associated with unfinished housing developments. Such plans enable developers to work with local authorities, financial institutions, NAMA and residents in determining how best to pursue resolution of problematic sites. The process also entails working with stakeholders in identifying the best long-term solution for developments in terms of their configuration, use of vacant buildings and ownership in a way that is in the best interests of residents.
Ultimately, the initiation of the SRP process in respect of a particular development is a matter for the local authority concerned. However, progress by local authorities in ensuring that developers complete and/or resolve unfinished housing developments is continuing, as evidenced by regular reports to the National Co-ordination Committee and the results published in the annual unfinished housing reports which my Department has compiled for 2011 and 2012; further progress will be evidenced with the imminent publication of the 2013 report.
In addition, under the Public Safety Initiative, my Department has made allocations totalling some €4.47 million to 21 local authorities from the funding allocation made available to address immediate safety issues since 2011. 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. Also, the Government provided an additional €10 million in Budget 2014 to assist the most problematic unfinished housing estates. The precise criteria under which the fund will be disbursed will be finalised shortly. However, I envisage that the fund will operate in a carefully targeted and evidence led fashion to aid the resolution of occupied developments and in a way that will stimulate more significant investment by the owners of these developments, including generating additional employment through the resolution works.
Each local authority has a nominated Unfinished Estates contact person who can act as a conduit to resolution of outstanding issues. It is recommended that the residents of unfinished estates should contact their local authority to access information on the options available.
