Taking in charge of estates is taking too long - Cllr Butler

A ‘ Taking In Charge’ update on 49 housing estates in Dundalk Municipal District showed that twelve have been satisfactorily completed in accordance with planning permission.

Of the remainder, in ten cases the developer/receiver was still in place and shall complete the development; in four estates the local authority may draw on bonds to complete the work; while in 21 estates where no funds are available the council shall consult with Irish Water and agree the best course of action.

The status of two estates has still to be confirmed.

Cllr Marianne Butler said in some instances it was dragging out too long, and she referenced Súil Na Mara, since December 2009.

She remarked the estate should not be let go for ten years without being taken in charge.

If the council was meeting resistance from developers, the residents should be told to go for a plebiscite.

‘We need to encourage developers to properly finish and properly hand over estates.’

Cllr Maria Doyle pointed out 28 were on the list for more than five years from an application being put in to be taken in charge.

‘In the past developers were allowed to leave without completing estates. Residents shouldn’t be suffering if that happened.

‘So far, we are doing okay. We need to do a little better,’ she added.

In response to Cllr Butler’s query about Súil Na Mara, James Searson, Assistant Enwgineer, said a site resolution plan will be carried out to see what the council could do.