Land Transfers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 September 2014

Thursday, 25 September 2014

Questions (260)

Anthony Lawlor

Question:

260. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason his Department is delaying the legal transfer of 30 land parcels from ten local authorities (details supplied) to the Housing Agency under the land aggregation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36316/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Under the terms of the Land Aggregation Scheme, lands accepted into the scheme must be transferred to the ownership of the Housing Agency. The Housing Agency is responsible for managing the transfer process including technical and legal aspects. Of the 73 sites accepted into the Land Aggregation Scheme, 44 have now transferred to the ownership of the Housing Agency. The rate of land transfers under the scheme has increased in recent months, with 10 additional sites transferred in the period from November 2013 to September 2014.

Under the Scheme a technical and legal 'due diligence assessment' is carried out by the Housing Agency to determine if each site is suitable for inclusion. As part of the due diligence assessment the Housing Agency can direct that, as a condition of site transfer, particular works be carried out or that other issues identified, in respect of a particular site under consideration, be resolved. The Housing Agency would in turn advise local authorities of any such requirements.

It is a matter for the relevant local authority and the Housing Agency to resolve all outstanding matters affecting the transfer. In particular, the relevant local authority must ensure that transfer conditions are met and the Housing Agency must satisfy itself that the required actions have been satisfactorily undertaken prior to any land transfer.

My Department continues to maintain regular contact with the Housing Agency regarding progress made on land transfers and the potential development of such lands. I have asked the Housing Agency to continue to prioritise the transfer of lands and to work with local authorities in progressing transfers.