Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

I agree with Deputy Stanley and I have the commitment in this area. The €5 million is an initial amount and it is provided by the State to the local authorities. Most people in the House know that it is the developers and the owners of unfinished housing developments, or the receivers when they are appointed, who have the primary legal obligation to address outstanding problems associated with these developments. I want any public funds spent under this provision to be recouped from the developers and the receivers. The public have put enough money into developments and I do not want to be seen as an easy touch.

There are four categories of development. The most important is where the development might be in place but there is no on-site activity, yet there is significant planning, building control compliance and public safety issues, or where the developer or site owner cannot be contacted and the estate is basically abandoned. This fourth category of development is the area on which I will be concentrating as a matter of priority. If there is additional money, I will try to provide it. Many submissions have already been made and these are now being assessed, and I will try to ensure that adequate funding is provided. I would like developers also to play a role.

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