Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I represent Tallaght, Brittas, Bohernabreena, Greenhills, Templeogue and Firhouse. As a political activist, something I have always found difficult about these types of residential developments is that it is often difficult to access them in order to visit constituents. Luckily enough, many of my constituents look up my telephone number, contact my full-time office or come to one of my nine weekly advice clinics, one of which I missed tonight because I had to be here. They find me, talk to me and I deal with the issues.

I take this opportunity to thank the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, who was kind enough to come to Tallaght recently for a happy event in Old Bawn community school where he met the school's participants in the BT Young Scientist exhibition who had done an excellent project on depression. I am always pleased to welcome Ministers to my constituency. I would also be happy to meet any Opposition spokespersons who would like to visit me.

Like other colleagues, I have always had difficulty with the concept of management companies. I can only talk about my own constituency but there was a time when there were few or none of these types of developments. Tallaght was developed following the publication of the Myles Wright report in 1967 which recommended that new towns be built in Lucan, Blanchardstown, Clondalkin and Tallaght. Most of the early development in Tallaght was housing rather than apartments and it is only in recent years that the phenomenon of apartment blocks has been prevalent. One of the down sides of the recession in recent years can be seen when one visits The Square in Tallaght, which is on the Luas line and is a good place to visit. There are many vacant apartments there which is a problem for the local community. Likewise, in Tallaght village - an historic site marked by St. Maelruain's church and graveyard and the priory - an issue that upsets locals and visitors alike is the huge number of apartments that were perhaps constructed with good intentions in the good times but are now unoccupied. These vacant dwellings create environmental and social issues and put great pressure on local services. It is very upsetting for the people who have made their lives in the community. Somebody has to grasp that particular problem.

If one suggests that vacant apartments should be brought under social housing schemes, one is likely to meet some resistance. However, the reality is that the volume of apartment accommodation in my constituency that remains unoccupied is a significant problem that will have to be tackled. Meanwhile, the number of planning applications lodged with South Dublin County Council for the construction of even more apartments in the area is striking. For example, there is a huge site in the middle of the village which used to have an Esso garage. It is now in a terribly derelict state. There are signs around it and the hoarding is poor. It appears an absolute mess and it looks terrible to people who come to the village.

Suggestions have been made about other developments. Along the Tallaght road there is a fine little development. Discussions have been held with the local community. I am pleased those responsible for it are reaching out to the community but they are discussing the possibility of even more apartments. This is an issue in my community and people have raised it as a difficulty. They have no wish for more vacant apartments. This is a challenge for the public representatives and communities.

I refer to the difficulties for people in apartments who are subject to charges from management companies. I have no wish to demonise management companies, save to say problems have arisen for people who have bought apartments and made a commitment. Other colleagues have made this point which I am pleased to repeat. There is a very significant financial burden on many couples, including the young and not so young. They realise additional charges apply. As other colleagues have stated, in some cases the common areas are not kept, the grass is not cut and the green space cannot be sorted out. I spend a good deal of time dealing with constituents in such places as the Belfry in Citywest, and Marlfield and Deerpark in the general Tallaght area, not too far from the Square. The difficulty is the council maintains it is not its business because the area has not been handed over and difficulties remain as far as the management company is concerned.

I attended a meeting with other colleagues some weeks ago in Kiltipper Gate. This is a lovely development where many people have gone to the trouble of making their home and are perfectly pleased except for these issues which are not being dealt with.

In the context of the Multi-Unit Developments Bill it is fair to say to the Minister of State that these are the issues we have been discussing for some time. Like other colleagues, I have corresponded with the Minister of State, tabled questions and raised matters through other business. These are real issues. Many of those involved were from my community to begin with but there are others who have come into my community as well. They are fully entitled to have everything properly organised. It is time for legislation to deal with these issues, to give people confidence and to help them to get these issues sorted out. Only tonight I received correspondence in respect of Carrigmore near Citywest, where people want their children to play in the open space, especially during the good weather, but this is a problem. There is a conflict between the management company and the council.

I have no wish to upset the Leas-Cheann Comhairle by straying too much but I have mentioned Citywest several times. It would be remiss of me to let the occasion go without mentioning that in recent days myself and other colleagues have been upset about what is taking place in the Citywest Hotel. It is not in my constituency but that of the Minister of State, Deputy John Curran, Deputy Paul Gogarty, the Minister, Deputy Mary Harney, and Deputy Joanna Tuffy. Many of the 400 workers who live under the threat of losing their jobs this week because of the difficulties with the company are from my constituency. As other colleagues have done, I express solidarity with them and I hope the issues will be dealt with.

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