What is the point of legislative scrutiny if the Government refuses to change bad plans?
Government inaction is leaving residents in new developments waiting years for common areas to be taken over by local authorities, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan.
“It can take years and even decades for public spaces in newer developments to be taken over by the Council. This can result in serious problems when it comes to the maintenance of roads, footpaths, lighting and open spaces.
“Some residents are being charged twice for maintaining public areas through Local Property Tax and Management Company fees. This is unfair and it is unacceptable.
“This issue could have been dealt with in the new Planning and Development Bill. This week, I put forward a series of amendments to the legislation that would have put in place time limits for local authorities to take these areas in charge.
“Incredibly, the Government voted down these common sense amendments. Instead of resolving what is an obvious issue, they seem determined to leave residents of new developments in the lurch.
“It beggars’ belief that this Government continue to vote down straightforward solutions to problems that cause huge amounts of unnecessary stress. What is the point of legislative scrutiny if the Government refuses to change bad plans?”
27 March, 2024