Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
83. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing health and safety concerns voiced by numerous experts including the Health Service Executive regarding an estate (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46194/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Public Safety Initiative for Unfinished Housing Developments my Department has made allocations totalling some €3.338 million to 21 local authorities from the funding made available to address immediate public safety issues. The types of works that have been approved to date include the fencing off of unsecured and hazardous areas, capping of pipes, installation of street lighting and other works to secure sites.In respect of the development of Gleann Riada, Longford, my Department approved funding totalling €91,753.40 in August 2012 to cover the cost of addressing immediate public safety concerns.
Issues pertaining to individual planning applications are matters for the local authority concerned, and my Department has no remit in this regard. However, my Department has been advised that, subsequent to the events of March 2012, Longford County Council appointed Tobin Consultants to investigate the causes of the explosion. The findings of this report were given to the occupants of the six properties involved. Longford County Council has also established a steering group to address the range of issues faced by the occupants of the Gleann Riada development and is liaising with the other State authorities involved including, inter alia, the Health and Safety Authority. As this matter is currently the subject of legal proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
