Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Most of what I intended asking has been asked already. My first question concerns the role of the regulator. I have a question about the implementation of An Bord Pleanála decisions. Is the regulator responsible for ensuring that local authorities enforce decisions by An Bord Pleanála? Will there be a levy on vacant sites held by NAMA? I am not sure whether that question has been asked already.

In respect of the question about negotiating the 10% and local authorities having demand for social housing in more affluent developments, sites and locations were mentioned in Dublin but most of us have more affluent developments in our areas. I am not so sure local authorities would have many demands for social housing in these more affluent locations. I have my doubts about how we will ensure that the 10% applies to developments in such locations.

In respect of social housing, the relationship with local authorities and planning regulations, will an adviser to local authorities have the responsibility to ensure that local authorities implement decisions? I am talking about unauthorised developments. Perhaps under the next section of the Bill, we will discuss how unauthorised developments are dealt with. Is there, will there be or should there be a levy on unauthorised development? Is there a timescale - such as two or five years - for how long an unauthorised development can last? We are talking about reducing from five to two years the period for planning permission for a certain number of houses.

Is there any mention of reducing from five to two years the period for planning permission for one-off houses? Should we reduce it from five to two years in exceptional circumstances where something has happened or money cannot be acquired to carry out the development?