Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
771. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the backlog of cases with the land registry; the average wait time for case decisions; if he would consider an application for adverse possession with the land registry for a period of ten years with no decision to be deemed unacceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33781/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provide a property registration system, property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8(6) of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions. It is understood from Tailte Éireann that the continued increase in applications received for registration by Tailte Éireann year over year, and challenges in recruitment during this time, has contributed to an accumulation of applications for registration. In 2023, a request for a planned increase in the pay-bill subhead of Tailte Éireann’s Vote was supported by my Department, and subsequently granted in the Estimates for 2024. Tailte Éireann has experienced significant challenges in recruitment which remains a key priority. To that end it is understood that Tailte Éireann has embarked on a targeted recruitment campaign and continues to engage with the Public Appointments Service to fulfill its staffing requirements.
I am assured by Tailte Éireann that every effort is being made to further reduce application processing times including implementation of the following actions:• Revised procedures for more efficient handling of applications which are not in order to proceed to registration.• A targeted approach to reduce the age profile of applications pending registration.• Revised internal processes aimed at reducing the volume of applications on hand which are not in order to proceed and remain under query.• Continued promotion of digital services and the uptake of eRegistration services to reduce processing times for all service users.• An organisation-wide focus on reducing processing times with business process improvements in train or implemented. Improvements have been made in throughput times, in particular in relation to cases not requiring mapping. I am confident that as the required staff are successfully on-boarded, Tailte Éireann will be in a position to achieve its goal of significantly reducing waiting times across all registration services. Tailte Éireann has advised that applications for adverse possession are complex and there are many variables that may lead to a delay in processing, including the requirement to raise multiple requisitions and to consider objections received following the service of notice. Where an application is lodged fully in order for registration, the application will be registered without any long delay. Tailte Éireann is conscious of the fact that in registering applications based on adverse possession it is fulfilling a role previously performed solely by the Courts, which could potentially impact the registered owner's constitutional property rights. In such cases, it is extremely important that applicants satisfy all requirements before being registered.Lodging parties may contact Tailte Éireann in relation to a specific case by email at info@tailte.ie. Further information in relation to specific cases may be obtained by Oireachtas members by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at oireachtas@tailte.ie.
