Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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353. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which a study has been done to identify and address the ongoing delays affecting the development of the town centre at Naas, County Kildare which has been stalled for almost ten years; if urgent action can be taken to address the issue which is seriously affecting the morale of the business community and trading potential of the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27179/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As I indicated in replies to previous Parliamentary Questions tabled on this matter, including the reply to Question No. 126 of 7 July 2016, the management of the development concerned is primarily a matter for Kildare County Council in the first instance, and I have no function in the matter. However, as outlined previously, I understand from Kildare County Council that the securing of a satisfactory conclusion to the development of the site in question has been a particular focus of the Council’s efforts over the last number of years. On foot of arbitration procedures, Kildare County Council successfully completed an agreement with one of two site owners, relating to the provision of roads infrastructure to service the town centre site. The arbitration case relating to the second site owner remains to be heard by the Property Arbitrator, the hearing of which is not scheduled to take place until April 2017, due to the Property Arbitrator’s caseload. In parallel with these arbitration cases, the Council has also been involved in ongoing discussions with the owner of the town centre site, and his agents, with a view to advancing development of the site as early as possible.

With relevant processes underway involving NAMA and arbitration, it would be inappropriate for me as Minister to become involved or make any further comment on the matter.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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354. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which the development at The Waterways, Sallins, has been freed of any encumbrances with a view to becoming fully functional in both the commercial and residential; if adequate progress has been achieved in this regard; when it is likely aspects affecting the title to residential property thereat is likely to be resolved; if and when he expects the commercial space to be fully functional; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27186/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As I outlined to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 265 of 24 May 2016, which set out the position in this matter, the finalisation of any outstanding planning related matters affecting the development concerned is a matter for Kildare County Council and one in which I have no function. Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular planning case with which a planning authority, including An Bord Pleanála, is or may be concerned.