Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 234: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the planning responsibilities of financial institutions to complete major developments that they have taken ownership of and taking into consideration developments that are partially occupied but are left in a dangerous condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27308/10]

Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Developers and owners of sites are required to ensure that their sites are left in a safe and secure condition. Local authorities are prioritising action to ensure that these obligations are discharged and that sites within their areas are properly secured from public access and, where necessary, are made structurally sound. In this regard, existing legislation such as the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and Litter Act 1997 - 2003, along with planning legislation, can be used to ensure developers and the owners of sites engage with local authorities in addressing specific difficulties. We will also keep the need for further legislative reforms to assist local authorities on this issue under review.

The interpretation of the planning responsibilities of financial institutions in relation to the completion of developments of which they have taken ownership is a matter for the financial institution concerned and the relevant planning authority and ultimately for the Courts to decide in relation to any case that may come before it. A range of actions are being progressed by my Department, with the co-operation of local authorities and other key stakeholders, to address the issue of unfinished or unoccupied estates. These actions include an accurate quantification, classification and mapping of the various types of unfinished or unoccupied estates on a county by county basis to understand the scale and distribution of the problem.

A best practice policy manual is also being prepared to identify the necessary responses to ensure satisfactory outcomes in tackling difficulties on specific sites in a coordinated and pro-active manner. The responses will require a range of interventions across a number of disciplines – there are issues of public safety, the provision of bonds and securities, environmental protection, building control and estate management.