Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his response. There is a major issue surrounding the taking in charge of housing estates and developers' bonds, which are too low in some instances, with developers walking away from new housing estates and not finishing them properly. There are, for example, many unfinished roads and substandard houses throughout the country. While local authorities carry out some checks, there are not enough people in most planning enforcement sections, which are under-resourced and under-staffed, to adequately cover this area.

I welcome the Minister's circular letter issued to the various local authorities but it is not sufficient. We must make it compulsory for new developments to be regularly checked by local authorities. Will the Minister consider issuing a new circular to the effect that it is compulsory for new developments to be regularly inspected by planning authorities? I also ask him to standardise the taking in charge document and ensure there is strict enforcement, adherence to timetables and a reduction from seven to four years for the taking in charge of estates because the current system is not working.

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