asked the Minister for the Environment if he is satisfied with the effectiveness of existing legislation dealing with urban dereliction; if his attention has been drawn to the extensive dereliction that has persisted for years in many parts of Dublin for example, in James' Street, Dublin 8; whether much of this delay is due to the complexities and inadequacies of the CPO procedure laid down; if he will take steps to give more effective power to local authorities and to streamline the CPO procedures so as to help rid our cities and towns of so many eyesores; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Urban Dereliction.
114.
I am fully aware of the problem of dereliction in Dublin and elsewhere. I do not accept that the complexities or inadequacies of the compulsory purchase system are at the root of much of this dereliction. I believe that a stronger derelict sites code, which would place a new and express obligation on all owners of land including public bodies to prevent it from becoming or continuing to be derelict and give local authorities the duty and the power to ensure compliance with this obligation is necessary. I propose to bring forward legislative proposals in this regard as soon as possible.