Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

I am chairing the national co-ordination committee on unfinished housing developments to oversee implementation of the report of the advisory group on unfinished housing developments, together with the Government's response to the recommendations. The committee includes representatives from the Irish Banking Federation, local authorities, the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency, NAMA and the construction sector and real progress is being made with the public safety works required to improve the living conditions of existing residents on some unfinished estates. The committee is meeting on a regular basis.

Site resolution plans are a key tool in resolving issues associated with unfinished housing developments. Such plans enable developers to work with local authorities, financial institutions, NAMA and residents in determining how best to pursue resolution of problematic sites. The process also entails working with stakeholders in identifying the best long-term solution for developments in terms of their configuration, use of vacant buildings and ownership in a way that is in the best interests of residents. As part of the work of the national co-ordination committee, my Department initiated a pilot project for the resolution of sites using the site resolution plan process, and issued a working template in order to establish best practice in this area. I intend that the process, which is pivotal to the resolution of problem sites, will be used more extensively in the coming year. Ultimately, the initiation of the SRP process in respect of a particular development is a matter for the local authority concerned. However, progress by local authorities in ensuring that developers complete and resolve unfinished housing developments is continuing, as evidenced by regular reports to the national co-ordination committee. The committee intends to publish a report on overall progress, including the numbers of sites resolved, by the end of July.

Under the public safety initiative, my Department has made allocations totalling €3.21 million to 21 local authorities from the funding allocation made available to address immediate safety issues in 2011. The types of works that have been approved to date include the fencing off of unsecured and hazardous areas, capping of pipes, installation of street lighting and other works to secure sites. A provision of €2 million has been made for 2012 and my Department will be making further allocations as applications are received from local authorities and assessed. A total amount of €1.726 million has been drawn down by local authorities to date.

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