Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

I accept the finishing of housing estates is an important issue, particularly in the greater Dublin area. It often depends on the constituency a Member represents. Powers are in place to deny, with the approval of the courts, planning permission to developers who fail in this regard. Deputy Gilmore wants this process to be speeded up. Careful consideration must be given to some of the proposals in the Bill, particularly section 3. It sets out to impose a duty of care on "all persons involved in the direction, management or funding of the development", which are wide terms. The implications of such a proposal for the supply of housing needs must be considered. Under this wording, financial institutions may refuse to give a developer a loan if they are anxious for what they might be held responsible in the future. This wording needs to be teased out.

The problem the Deputy is attempting to rectify with this provision is partly due to the record rate of housing development. Some developers and builders may move out of an estate quickly as there is so much other work on offer. On Monday I launched the housing output statistics for 2004. The figures were staggering, showing that last year was another record year for output with approximately 77,000 units built. This is up 11.8% on the previous year. We are producing houses at double the 1997 rate. The figures for Dublin were up 17%. In the past ten years, when production of new units took off, the increases were in other parts while Dublin did not keep up with the pace. In the past two years, this has changed and I am glad the number of completions in Dublin stood at 16,800 last year.

The greater Dublin area saw a 13% increase in housing unit completion. Housing output has increased in all parts of the State, even in counties where one would not expect large development. The lowest figure was 700 new units in one county. These figures are a reflection of the success of the Government's policies and have a positive effect. The construction industry, local authorities and housing co-operatives must be pleased with last year's unprecedented supply of housing units.

The Bill has many good provisions. While I understand Deputies' concerns, and we all experience the problems outlined, the question arises as to how to tie these down and improve matters. On the surface, the Bill's proposals are reasonable, but the issues of funding and directing developments need to be narrowed down.

See this speech in context