Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 273: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, further to circular letter PD 1/06 issued on 25 January 2006, he will again make contact with local authorities to seek an assessment of the number of housing estates that remain to be taken in charge in each; the number that were taken in charge in 2006; the way these numbers compare with the targets set out at the beginning of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4673/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As indicated in reply to Question No. 227 of 4 October 2006, local authorities have been asked as a priority to establish a policy on taking in charge housing estates to be approved by the elected members. These arrangements are premised on the principle that local authorities themselves are best placed to monitor and implement action in this area.

The Working Group established by Department to develop national guidance for local authorities on management companies and the taking in charge of residential estates is nearing completion of its work. The resulting draft guidance for planning authorities will be issued shortly. The essential points of this guidance will also be incorporated into the revised and expanded residential density guidelines, the new Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines, which will be available in draft form later in the year. The Working Group is satisfied that sufficient data on recent local authority practice in this area has been available to it in the context of its work on the new draft guidance.