Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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233. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which a priority status will be awarded to Naas, County Kildare, in view of the need to ensure a dramatic response to the stalled development at the town centre and the general negative impact on the area as a result; if he will initiate an emergency plan together with the local authority to co-ordinate the upgrading required and elevate the town to a major market centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9493/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The management of the stalled Naas town centre development is primarily a matter for Kildare County Council in the first instance, and I have no function in the matter. I understand that the securing of a satisfactory conclusion to the development of the site in question, which is of significant strategic importance to the town of Naas, has been a particular focus of the Council’s efforts over the last number of years. In this regard, I am informed by the Council that it continues to actively engage with NAMA – which has a controlling interest in the site - on the issue of the site being offered for sale as soon as possible and that it will continue to support and work in partnership with all stakeholders involved in the further progression of the site.

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