Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will amend planning powers given to the Dublin Docklands Development Authority in view of recent revelations regarding planning permission fast track promises to private property developers by former senior management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42809/09]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the recent revaluation of the Irish glass bottle site, part-owned by the State through the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, involving a write-down of some 85%; his views on whether this is a fair reflection of the state of the development property market, particularly in view the high profile and central location of this site and its presumed long-term economic value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37681/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 52 and 56 together.

Following a High Court judgment in 2008 in relation to the planning process that governs granting of exempted development status in the Docklands area, I am aware the Authority completed an assessment of its planning procedures and introduced a number of changes to the process at the start of this year.

The amendments to the process allow for an additional level of consultation with property owners, residents and others with a property interest within the relevant area. Site notices are being posted on proposed development sites and observations and/or objections can be made by affected property owners at no cost in relation to a planning application.

The Authority is currently carrying out, on my request, a comprehensive review of its corporate governance which will include further expert analysis of its planning function. I expect the corporate governance report to be submitted to me around the end of November. I will consider what further changes to the planning process might be warranted once I have had an opportunity to consider the report and any recommendations arising.

As I indicated in reply to Priority Question No. 45 on today's order paper, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority secured valuations for its main property assets, including the Irish Glass Bottle Site, for its 2008 Annual Accounts. The accounts show a "red book" valuation for the site of €50m.

KPMG, as auditors, for the Authority drew attention to the risks and uncertainties associated with the valuation of property assets, particularly under current market conditions, where property assets are relatively illiquid, there is significant market uncertainty, and there are few if any prospective buyers and no bank finance available to support large scale transactions in the property market.