Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 409: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to address the growing problem of unfinished housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9438/11]

Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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The high-level Advisory Group on Unfinished Housing Developments, established in October 2010 following the publication of my Department's National Housing Development Survey database, is identifying practical and policy solutions to address the difficulties associated with unfinished housing developments effectively and promptly. On foot of the interim analysis and findings of the Advisory Group, which was published on 17 February 2011, initial funding of €5 million is being made available to local authorities to deal with immediate safety issues and works to improve the living conditions for existing residents. My Department has put in place the necessary arrangements for local authorities to make applications for funding for the most urgent and serious cases.

The initial findings of the Advisory Group indicate that action on unfinished housing developments will require:

· a collaborative approach by all stakeholders working together to co-ordinate their efforts to resolve the unfinished developments;

· an immediate focus on public safety aspects and critical issues affecting residents of developments;

· a structured and prioritised approach by local authorities supported by central resources;

· the use of Site Resolution Plans and, where appropriate, innovative options such as residents and community involvement, co-operatives and self-build within the resolution process; and

· national co-ordination and monitoring of regionally and locally organised efforts to tackle the problem.

I expect the Advisory Group's Final Report to be submitted to me shortly; I will consider its findings and recommendations as a matter of urgency and will bring proposed actions and recommendations to Government for approval.