asked the Minister for the Environment when it is proposed to take Grange Abbey Estate, Dublin 13, in charge; and if he will instruct Dublin County Council to carry out unfinished work there on roads, footpaths and open spaces.

The taking in charge of housing estates is a matter for the local authority and I have no function in the matter. I understand from Dublin County Council that no formal application has been made to them by the developer to take the estate in charge. Outstanding works in relation to the construction of a link road and the completion of open space and other ancillary services remain to be carried out.

I understand that legal action relating to the completion of the estate is being taken by the council. With regard to the construction of a link road I understand that the council have also taken legal proceedings which are currently on appeal to the Supreme Court from a High Court decision refusing an order to the council under section 27 of the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1976, providing for the carrying out of the development in accordance with the permission.

Is the Minister aware of the deplorable conditions in this estate? I am sorry the Minister for the Environment is not here, because he is a TD for the area. He should have taken some steps during the years to have this estate taken in charge. Can he not make money available to Dublin County Council to put the estate in some kind of reasonable order? The cost would be in the region of £120,000. It is a simple request that that money be made available to do the work.

The Deputy knows that the question of the Minister making money available does not arise. It is a matter for the developer to complete the estate and for the county council to see that he carries out his responsibility.

The Minister is a TD for the area and I hope the Minister of State will request him to do something about this.

The Minister is well aware of the position not only in his constituency but everywhere. No one needs to remind him.

The residents' association have written four times to the Minister and they have not received a reply.

I doubt it.

10.

asked the Minister for the Environment when it is proposed to take in charge and to develop the play areas at Ard Na Greine, Dublin 13; and if he will instruct Dublin County Council to complete the estate in a satisfactory manner.

As I have previously indicated to the Deputy, the taking in charge of private housing estates is a matter for the local authority in which I have no function. I understand from Dublin County Council that this estate was taken in charge in 1980 except for the open space areas and portion of the footpaths. These matters are currently the subject of negotiation between the developer and the county council.

Can the Minister say what is the position about the public lighting in the area?

Dublin County Council have taken the estate in charge except for the footpaths and the open space. They are responsible for the public lighting in the estate.

The public lighting is not operating and it is a cause of grave concern to the residents. Will the Minister of State pass it on to the Minister, because there is grave concern about this?

I will bring it to the Minister's attention.