Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation to deal with developers who fail to complete housing schemes to taking-in-charge standard within a reasonable period; the view of communities in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3456/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Planning authorities have extensive powers under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to take enforcement action against developers who fail to comply with planning permission. My Department issued Circular PD 1/06 on 25 January 2006 reminding local authorities of their obligations under section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 on the taking in charge of estates. Each local authority has been directed to establish a policy on the taking in charge of housing estates which will be agreed by the members of the authority, and reported on to those members on a regular basis and at least once annually. The circular directs that the local policy must include provision for when an estate is not completed within the appropriate period. In that case, enforcement action against the developer must be pursued vigorously and promptly to ensure that the developer completes the estate. All available legal remedies should be used to enable that to be done, including, where appropriate, the application of the security bond.