Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputies correctly referred to demand for social housing and the need for new initiatives to address social housing provision. I alluded to a number of initiatives being taken by the Department. We are also reviewing housing policy to ascertain whether more can be done.

The condition of the 40 housing estates to be demolished is such that it would cost a substantial amount to rectify them. Legal issues also arise and the long process of obtaining compulsory purchase orders would probably be required. The option the unfinished estates committee is considering for the locations in question is a last resort. I suspect the 40 estates out of a total number of 1,500 unfinished housing estates are located in isolated rural areas rather than major urban areas.

The taking in charge of estates is a matter for local authorities, although I agree with Deputy Dessie Ellis that they should be more proactive in this regard. This is one of the issues I will raise with the County and City Managers Association in 2014 in an effort to advance the protocols and implement new measures to have more estates taken in charge.

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