The taking-in-charge of residential developments is the responsibility of local authorities. My Department launched the National Taking-in-Charge Initiative (NTICI) in April 2016 to support and accelerate overall national action on the taking-in-charge process, including estates with developer provided water services infrastructure.
The NTICI was intended to develop better knowledge and systems to support the taking-in-charge of further estates over time. In relation to wastewater infrastructure, enforcement of planning conditions relating to maintenance in progressing the taking-in-charge process is frequently part of a series of steps that require to be undertaken to ensure such infrastructure is in a sufficiently completed and properly functioning condition to facilitate the taking-in-charge process.
A report on the 2016 NTICI Programme is currently being finalised by my Department and I expect to be in a position to publish the report shortly. The report will include findings and recommendations on sustaining progress on the taking-in-charge issue, including in respect of the resolution of developer provided water services infrastructure in housing estates.