Kilkenny County Council has vowed to take legal action if necessary when dealing with developers in relation to unfinished housing estates in the city and county.
In a presentation given to members of the council this week, Paul Moran, executive technician in the planning department, said that the issue was being tackled head on by the council and in cases where there was a reluctance on behalf of developers to engage with the council, legal action would be considered and demolition also if deemed necessary.
John McCormack, director of services, divulged that there was one unfinished housing estate in County Kilkenny that may be demolished if the developer did not comply with council regulations in the foreseeable future.
“There is one estate that is in danger of being demolished unless we get cooperation on the ground, however, for us demolition is a last resort,” he said.
Mr Moran outlined to the members that out of 76 housing estates originally declared unfinished, 11 have since applied to Kilkenny County Council to be taken in charge. There are 10 further estates that are “unlikely” to be taken in charge as they were not subject to the provision of a bond, a management company is required, and the water/wastewater is a private supply. These include gated estates.
There are currently 54 unfinished estates left across the county. It is understood that 15 have been found to be in compliance with their planning permission and estates have been fully built and pose no safety issues. However there are a number of unoccupied houses identified.
A further 12 developments are currently subject to legal proceedings for non-compliance with planning, with delays caused by adjournments in the legal process and planning permission expiry also becoming an issue.
A liquidator or receiver has been appointed to six estates and the council is engaging with the liquidator on the option of leasing the houses available.
The bond has been drawn down by the council for a further two estates and the council is carrying out remedial works in this area including final works to roads, water, waste, and landscaping.
Safety letters have also been issued to 19 developments and the council is satisfied that the issues outlined are being dealt with by the developers concerned.
“We are dealing with each case individually, and if we don’t get engagement on the ground it will end up in demolition,” said Mr McCormack.
