Planning Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2016

Thursday, 19 May 2016

Ceisteanna (119)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has studied the stalled development at Naas Town Centre, in County Kildare with particular reference to the adjourned arbitration procedure and the ongoing negative impact the delayed development continues to have on the town; if all the constituent bodies involved continue to engage adequately in order to bring about a speedy conclusion culminating in the resumption of activity on the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11136/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I am informed by Kildare County Council that the securing of a satisfactory conclusion to the development of the Naas Town Centre site has been a particular focus of its efforts over the last number of years. In this connection, the Council - on foot of arbitration procedures - recently successfully completed an agreement with one of two site owners relating to the provision of roads infrastructure to service the Town Centre site. The arbitration case relating to the second site owner remains to be heard by the Property Arbitrator. I understand that the hearing in this case is not scheduled to take place until April 2017 due to the Property Arbitrator’s caseload.

In parallel with these arbitration cases, Kildare County Council has also been involved in ongoing discussions with the owner of the Town Centre site, and his agents, with a view to advancing development of the site as early as possible.

As indicated in replies to previous Questions tabled by the Deputy on this matter, the management of the development concerned is primarily a matter for Kildare County Council in the first instance, and I have no function in the matter.