Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 485: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason the board of works has changed the timescale of proposals in relation to an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17307/08]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 486: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason residents of an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare are finding it difficult to have matters addressed by the board of works in view of the fact that the board of works still has responsibility for the estate and not the county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17308/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 486 together.

Officials of my Department met with the residents of Orchard Park on 11th February 2008. At that meeting issues of concern were raised by the residents and it was agreed that work was needed to be done to improve the estate. It was requested that the residents put forward a proposal of works for the Department's consideration. In the interim the Department provided seven large skips for the removal of the residents' refuse. The proposal from the residents was received in the Department on 8th April 2008. Having considered the plan, my officials met with the residents again on 16th April 2008. At that meeting my officials outlined the generality of a programme of work that the Department is committed to carrying out. In the short term it was agreed to provide a children's play area on an area of Curragh lands adjacent to the estate, this is to be done by means of a licence agreement. In order to prevent unsocial behaviour it was also agreed to brick up or erect gates at laneway entrances and tarmac these laneways. Arrangements are currently being made by my officials to facilitate progress on these issues. The more major items of work such as provision of additional parking and the laying of tarmac on roads and footpaths will take longer to complete due to the nature and size of the job. Since the initial meeting my officials have been in contact with Kildare County Council regarding the taking over of the estate.