Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020
84. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will carry out a review of the function and remit of the Land Development Agency; when the inventory of State-owned lands will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28456/20]
View answerThe Land Development Agency (LDA) was established on an interim basis in September 2018, by way of an Establishment Order made under the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971, pending the enactment of primary legislation when it will be established as a commercial State agency.
I have already considered the function and remit of the LDA to ensure its compliance with the Programme for Government commitments. The LDA will be tasked to work with government departments, local authorities, state agencies and other stakeholders to assemble strategic sites in urban areas and ensure the sustainable development of social and affordable homes for rent and purchase.
I will shortly be bringing a revised General Scheme for the LDA Bill reflecting these commitments to Government for consideration for priority drafting with the intention of the legislation being enacted in as a matter of priority.
As part of its existing remit, the LDA is currently working to develop an inventory of all relevant public lands to allow for better management of these State land assets, including their strategic planning and urban regeneration potential. This database will contain information on all relevant public lands including location, mapping and title. It is intended that the forthcoming LDA Bill will provide that all state bodies will be obliged to assist the LDA in the compilation of the database, where appropriate.
The LDA is currently working with the PRAI, OPW, my Department, OSI and numerous other state bodies to compile this database. The PRAI examine all registered properties for state owners including universities, local authorities and government departments which has resulted in almost 60,000 folios across the country being identified. In addition, the LDA are currently undertaking an examination of all non-registered state lands for the five cities. The LDA expect that an initial version of the database will be completed by the end of 2020.
