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Moynihan queries unfinished estate in Crossbarry

December 13th, 2019 11:50 AM

By Southern Star Team

Crossbarry estate remains unfinished, says FF TD.

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THE issue of an unfinished housing estate in Crossbarry was raised in the Dáil recently by a Cork Fianna Fáil TD.

Cluain Croisse in Crossbarry was originally part of the ‘National Taking in Charge’ pilot scheme, but it appears nothing has progressed, according to  Cork North West TD Aindrias Moynihan.

Deputy Moynihan recently called on the Minister for Housing to clarify if projects approved under the National Taking in Charge pilot scheme will now be prioritised.

Despite raising the issue in the Dáil last month, he said the government failed to give a concrete answer.

Deputy Moynihan said: ‘This is a major issue for communities right across Cork.  We are in the middle of a housing crisis and there are unfinished estates which could and should be completed under this scheme.’

He added that one estate in particular, Cluain Croisse in Crossbarry, was part of the original pilot scheme. ‘However, it was never progressed because the project was found to be bigger than originally planned.  If the sewerage plant at Crossbarry was operational, it would ease the pressure on the residents in the Cluain Croisse estate, as well as catering for nearby estates.’

‘It would also make the planning process easier for people wanting to build homes in the area. This is exactly what this Taking in Charge scheme is designed to do but this project appears to have been put on hold despite the need for housing being so great.’

Deputy Moynihan pointed out that the National Development Plan had set aside €31m for the National Taking in Charge scheme.  ‘We are now almost halfway through the lifetime of the NDP but the applications for the scheme are only now being assessed.  This raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to deliver this scheme.  Once again Fine Gael is more concerned with making big announcements, rather than concentrating on seeing them through,’ he said.

‘Also, I would like the Minister to confirm that the project, which had been selected for the pilot scheme, will be prioritised.

‘The fact that the Crossbarry estate was axed because the need was so great is ridiculous.  Surely, the greater the need, the greater the priority?’

He added that much of the background work had already been completed and yet the Council had to resubmit an application, despite already having been approved.

‘This is just adding to the delay at a time when houses are badly needed,’ said the FF deputy.

‘I am disappointed that neither Minister Murphy nor Minister English have been able to give a definitive answer on this, but I will continue to pursue it with them,’ concluded Deputy Moynihan.

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