Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2012
56 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the progress in dealing with Priory Hall, Dublin and the making safe of unfinished estates. [22183/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraDublin City Council is the designated authority with powers to enforce the statutory requirements arising under the Fire Safety Act, the Building Control Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which are at issue in relation to Priory Hall. The Council is also the designated Housing Authority under the Housing Acts. My responsibility as Minister is to ensure that appropriate statutory requirements, technical standards and administrative provisions are put in place under the various acts. This responsibility has been fulfilled and is not in dispute. I have no role in relation to enforcement activity or in relation to the direct provision of housing services.
The reply to question No. 162 of 1 March 2012 set out the position in relation to the inspection undertaken by the Housing Inspectorate of my Department following an application by the developer of the Priory Hall complex for floor Area compliance Certificates (FACCs) as introduced by section 72 of the 2004 Finance Act. Residents at Priory Hall and their representatives have at all times been advised of the clear division of responsibilities outlined above. The appropriate statutory powers in this case rest with Dublin City Council and neither I, as Minister, nor the Department has a statutory function in relation to enforcement activity or in determining the provision of services in individual cases.
