Findings on Uncompleted Estates
Posted by info on 22 Oct 2010 | Tagged as: Environment, Planning
22 October 2010
For Immediate Release
Local Green Party representative, Garreth McDaid, has welcomed the publication of the National Housing Development Survey, which provides data in relation to the status of housing estates in Local Authority areas across the country.
Commentating on the figures in relation to Leitrim, Mr. McDaid said: “The report indicates that of 2,357 houses which have been granted planning, are under construction, or have been completed, only 980 are actually occupied. It also indicates that of over 500 houses that have been commenced, building activity is only evident in relation to 22 of these.”
“While not unexpected, these figures clearly demonstrate the folly of planning policy in the county over the last 10 years, and serious questions remain for the Councillors who approved the Development Plans that gave rise to this oversupply.”
“Leitrim County Council is now presented with a huge logistical and financial challenge. Residents living in these estates have the right to see their estates completed, but it is not clear to what extent that effort can be financed. I welcome the announcement by Minister Ciaran Cuffe that Local Authorities will be required to dedicate specific resources to the completion of estates, but Leitrim County Council needs to do more.”
“It is my view that the Council must adopt a much more agressive approach to the sequestration of bonds lodged in relation to these developments. These are monies lodged by developers to protect against their being unable to complete their developments. The softly, softly attitude adopted by the Council up until now has to change. People cannot be expected to live in uncompleted housing estates for 5 to 10 years while the Council can pursue access to funds that would assist in the completion of those estates.”
ENDS
Download the report from here
