Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

The high level expert group on unfinished housing developments, established in October 2010 following the publication of my Department's national housing development survey database, is identifying practical policy solutions to address, effectively and promptly, the difficulties associated with unfinished housing developments. On foot of the interim analysis and findings of the expert group which were published on 17 February, an initial funding provision of €5 million is being made available to local authorities to deal with immediate safety issues and works to improve living conditions for existing residents. My Department has made the necessary arrangements for local authorities to make applications for funding for the most urgent and serious cases.

The initial findings of the expert group indicate that action on unfinished housing developments will require the following: a collaborative approach by all stakeholders working together to co-ordinate their efforts to resolve the issue of unfinished developments; an immediate focus on public safety aspects and critical issues affecting residents of developments; a structured and prioritised approach by local authorities supported by central resources; the use of site resolution plans and, where appropriate, innovative options such as resident and community involvement, co-operatives and self-build within the resolution process; and national co-ordination and monitoring of regionally and locally organised efforts to tackle the problem.

I expect the expert group's final report to be submitted to me this month. I will consider its findings and recommendations as a matter of urgency and will bring proposed actions and recommendations to the Government for approval.

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