Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

Whether we like it or not, regrettably there is a lack of planning enforcement. Last year a case was brought to my attention concerning a young married couple in the west. It would take €100,000 to put their house right but the builder did not want to know. He was driving around in a BMW car but had to all intents and purposes gone bust legally. Another case involved a young couple in the midlands. The house was finished so badly and was so unsafe, they had to move out.

There are too many instances of unauthorised developments with subsequent applications for retention. Often this is refused at all stages of the planning process up to An Bord Pleanála. An enforcement order for demolition may be served but it may never be followed up. I have always been for people who invest to create jobs and build infrastructure. I have no time, however, for the fly-by-night builder who leaves estates unfinished resulting in the local authority and the residents picking up the tab. As a consequence, other necessary local authority works have to be cancelled because of the lack of funds.

I welcome this section if it eliminates this problem to any extent.