Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2014
513. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to revise the planning legislation on the taking in charge of housing developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45964/14]
View answer517. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the priority he has given to resolving the difficulties around the taking in charge of estates following the establishment of Irish Water; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that continuing delays in rectifying the situation has resulted in serious problems for householders selling their homes in estates that have not been taken in charge by their respective local authority; if he will act in this regard as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45981/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 513 and 517 together.
Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, sets out the process by which local authorities can take in charge housing estates. A new Planning and Development Bill is currently in preparation, in which section 180 will be updated with a view to improving and streamlining the taking in charge process.
My Department is currently engaging with the local government sector, Irish Water and other relevant stakeholders in the preparation of this new legislation, which, in addition to updating the taking in charge process, will also address legacy issues and take account of the proposed connections policy of Irish Water.
