Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Phil Hogan and Deputy Terence Flanagan for putting down this motion, which concerns a very relevant and real issue in terms of how people in modern Ireland are living. I notice the new Taoiseach referred yesterday to young people and how he wants to make politics relevant to them. If the Taoiseach could ensure that the items outlined in the motion were implemented, this would certainly make politics relevant to young people.

It is estimated that 500,000 people live in apartments or mixed complexes, whether of duplexes or townhouses. Many of them face difficulties in the areas in which they live. In many cases they purchased during the property boom, with units being bought off the plans as they queued up to put down a deposit. They never really thought of the consequences regarding the management of the open spaces, lifts, car parks and gates within the complex. For many residents, the situation has become a living nightmare. They have seen the appearance of their homes and neighbourhoods deteriorate. Nobody is in charge and people who have contributed to management fees or service charges do not feel they are getting fair representation. Some people opt out of a payments scheme and do not pay so the burden falls on others. The situation is a complete mess and a nightmare for these people. It is important for all of us living in urban areas to ensure that complexes are well looked after and maintained. They could be a blot on the landscape for us all.

Anyone who has served on a local authority, as I have, will know of the changes to density guidelines that were issued through the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, particularly for urban areas, which have seen a huge increase in apartment-type complexes and apartment living for individuals. When transport links were established, such as the Luas in Dublin, there was a proliferation of high density accommodation near those links. In Cork, the Cork to Midleton railway line is under construction and will attract high density living due to the proximity of the transport link.

If we want to ensure this type of high density living works for people, we need to introduce legislation and structures which will ensure that residents who buy into these complexes have assurances they will be managed and that the management structures will work. The National Property Services Regulatory Authority was established in 2005 but, three years later, it still has not been put on a statutory footing. The minimum we need at this stage is that it would be given the powers to do what is necessary.

Many of us have constituents who contact us about the frustrations they are experiencing in their areas. Management companies are not finishing off estates or complexes, or are holding onto one final unit in the hope that they will then be able to expand into an adjoining field. In such cases, the management structures can fall apart because of a loophole or because the last piece of the jigsaw has not been put in place.

The problems have been highlighted not only in the House, but by the National Consumer Agency, the Director of Corporate Enforcement, Dublin City Council and the Law Reform Commission. People are screaming out for support and a legislative process to which they can turn. I appeal to the Minister and the Government to adopt the policies proposed in this motion and give those young people an opportunity to live in comfort. More importantly for all of us, as we are developing urban landscapes, we must ensure it is done properly. This is about the future of our cities.

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