There are currently a significant number of housing estates in Roscommon county where action is required by the county council, according to local councillor Paddy Kilduff.
According to the Athlone-based councillor, the scale of the problem became apparent during his election campaign, during which time he was lobbied by residents from numerous estates.
“The problem surrounds the fact that many estates are not under the control or management of any authority. At the July meeting of Roscommon County Council I tabled the motion ‘That Roscommon County Council prepares a report regarding the total number of housing estates that need to be taken in charge by the council throughout the county and how many housing estate takeovers are currently being processed by planning enforcement’,” explained Cllr Kilduff.
“The council executive informed the meeting that there are currently 87 developments for which formal requests from the developer have been received, of which 32 have failed to provide the necessary documentation and reports in order for the council to assess the standard of works.
“It emerged during the discussion on the motion that the majority of takeovers are stalled pending further information or works to be carried out by the developer, with only two developments currently in the statutory process to be formally taken in charge.
“It was agreed by all councillors that this issue should be pursued vigorously by the Special Policy Committee on Planning and that the remit of the committee should include the investigation of methods and strategies to expedite estate takeovers. The committee will also work with residents and developers to ensure prompt action where necessary. I am a member of this special policy committee and I look forward to working with my council colleagues to ensure prompt action and progress with this important issue,” concluded Cllr Kilduff.
