Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----so I understand and appreciate the Deputy's eagerness to have the matter resolved. I have seen the site and understand even from the point of view of having passed through the town how important it is that this site be developed or resolved one way or the other. I therefore understand Deputy Durkan's and the council's desire to keep raising the matter at every opportunity they can in order to keep pushing it.

However, as indicated in previous replies, the management of the stalled development in Naas is a matter for Kildare County Council in the first instance. Furthermore, with processes under way involving both NAMA and arbitration, it would be improper for me, as Minister of State, to become involved.

It is not appropriate to accept representations on this issue as, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act, the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control in respect of any case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be involved except in very specific circumstances, which do not appear to apply in this case.

Nonetheless, I am informed that Kildare County Council continues to do everything in its power to influence and encourage NAMA to offer the site in question for sale as soon as possible. The council has been notified that a receiver has been appointed in respect of the town centre site.

As previously outlined, and subject to a satisfactory planning approval, there is no impediment to accessing the site or to appropriate development of the site. Kildare County Council recognises the strategic importance of the site in question and will continue to support and work in partnership with any stakeholders involved in its redevelopment. I will pass on the Deputy's suggestion to Kildare County Council that it might be able to progress or respond to the planning questions in parallel with the legal issues that are developing because that makes common sense. I am not in a position to instruct the council in any way in this regard but I will pass on the Deputy's thoughts and advice on the matter. We can have that conversation with the council.

During the past 18 months, Kildare County Council has initiated and supported a number of projects with the strategic objective of ensuring that the social and economic development of Naas is protected and enhanced. This work is underpinned by the work of the Naas roads and transport steering group, the URBACT group and the Naas Regeneration Group.

Kildare County Council has also received the approval of the National Transport Authority to prepare a traffic management study for Naas which will form one element of a strategic social and economic plan for the town.

Having talked to Deputy Durkan, I have no doubt but that he is very frustrated by the length of time it is taking to get this matter resolved and I know that the local authority is doing all it can within the parameters of its role and recognising the due process necessary in respect of the receivership etc. I am hopeful that, with the appointment of the receiver, there will be further progress to resolve the matter and facilitate the development of this strategic town centre site as quickly as possible and the resolution of the other legal issues that are developing.

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