LESS THAN ONE-THIRD OF THE FUNDING AVAILABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT TO FIX URGENT HEALTH AND SAFETY PROBLEMS IN SOME 180 “GHOST ESTATES” HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES.

SIX LOCAL AUTHORITIES HAVE MADE NO SUBMISSIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE 5 MILLION EURO FUND ESTABLISHED BY FORMER MINISTER FOR HOUSING MICHAEL FINNERAN LAST FEBRUARY. THEY INCLUDE BOTH MAYO AND ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCILS.

THE MONEY, AVAILABLE TO BE DRAWN DOWN SINCE APRIL, IS INTENDED FOR USE IN 180 ESTATES WHERE LOCAL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET ANY DEVELOPER, SITE OWNER OR OTHER PARTY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CONDITION.

UNDER THE SCHEME SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL HAS SECURED JUST OVER €250,000. FUNDING HAS ALSO BEEN ALLOCATED TO GALWAY CITY COUNCIL AND GALWAY COUNCILS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR ROSCOMMON COUNCIL, WHICH HAS 15 ESTATES WHICH ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING, TOLD THE IRISH TIMES IT HOPED TO MAKE APPLICATIONS IN RELATION TO EIGHT ESTATES SOON.

MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL, WHICH HAS FOUR ELIGIBLE ESTATES , DID NOT RESPOND TO REQUESTS FROM THE PAPER FOR INFORMATION.