asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on the delay by Waterford County Council in taking over the estate of houses known as Blenheim Heights in Waterford.

The taking in charge of housing estates is a matter for the local authority concerned, in this instance Waterford County Council. I have made inquiries from the council and I understand that the developer has made formal application to have the estate taken in charge. I also understand that the condition of the estate is at present being examined by officers of the council prior to a decision being taken on whether to take it in charge.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that frequently long disputes and arguments go on between the developer and the local authority about the taking over of these estates, and in the long intervening period the residents of the houses on these estates have to put up with inferior roads and services? Would the Minister have a look at the whole situation with a view to seeing that, once people go to reside in these estates, they will be taken over without delay?

I am aware, through personal experience, that long delays have taken place in the past. I would hope to be able to expedite the whole process by which they are taken over in the interest of the people who are living there.