Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 949: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to intervene in the collapse of the Dublin public private partnership housing projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27778/08]

Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Since the announcement of 19 May 2008 by Dublin City Council that a number of regeneration projects being carried out through PPP arrangements would not now be proceeding as planned, my Department and the Council have met several times to assess the implications of the announcement for the projects concerned. The City Council has also been engaged in discussions with the developer to identify the next steps in progressing these projects. Revised proposals have been received for some of the projects and are being examined by the local authority. No contracts had been signed for the projects at St. Michael's Estate and Dominick Street, and the City Council is considering its next steps. On all of the projects the City Council is working closely with the relevant regeneration boards, and has indicated its commitment to the remaining tenants in these areas.

In advance of a clear outcome to the ongoing discussions with the developer, and the completion of a review by the City Council of the options available for advancing the projects concerned, it would be premature for my Department to take any direct action in relation to these projects. My Department is, however, remaining in close contact with the Council as it considers the issues arising. My Department is also examining the potential implications of these events for the PPP housing programme generally and a working group has been established in that regard.