Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I spoke on my amendments about the technical language used. With regard to unauthorised development and the refusal of permission for future developments, this is the one power local authorities should have in recouping costs in respect of unfinished estates. Some Senators mentioned bonds that form part of the conditions in planning permissions. However, they relate to the completion of minor jobs, such as a road's final surface, a section of footpath or a light in an open space. Bonds were adequate. The Bill does not meet the new challenges. Estates lie unfinished, lacking major infrastructure such as roads, drainage or sewerage. Completing these estates will take considerable investment, which their developers cannot do. As mentioned, local authorities need a mechanism to empower them to finish estates.

Banks will not release bonds because they are relying on the legislation and challenging the conditions set by planning authorities. The banks do not have the money to give. The bonds and planning conditions have been found to be too weak to ensure the bonds, no matter how small, are captured to try to finish estates. The councils do not have the money to finish them.

This legislation presents an opportunity. I do not have all of the answers or wording. Senator Alex White's reasonable proposal should be considered. Unfinished estates will develop into one of the largest issues at council meetings. The Minister of State knows this, since he deals with housing. The hundreds of unfinished estates have serious infrastructural deficits. Developers and councils do not have money to finish them and bonds are sitting in the banks which are challenging the councils seeking them. We have an opportunity in law to address this matter and to empower councils to finish estates. It would be a progressive measure.