Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that it is an interesting debate and discussion. I have already outlined the situation with regard to the Constitution. Deputy Catherine Murphy makes a good point regarding the common good at which the Bill, in essence, is targeted. It is aimed at the common good of providing houses where there is a high demand and where services exist. Deputy Dowds referred to the CPO measure under the Derelict Sites Act. If something is a blight on the landscape and goes on the register and there is due process, the local authority can CPO the site. This Bill is not about taking property from people or grabbing land.

It is a targeted approach with a studied and deep analysis of urban areas by a local authority in a measured, fair and balanced fashion. It will give due process to the owners of sites and the time for them to outline their plans for them. If, at the end of all of this they cannot meet the criteria, then the local authority has the power to designate it as a vacant site and apply the levy.

We will take it one step at a time. This provision is more than useful and it needs to be given a chance to see how it works. I hope it will bring benefits for regeneration and the provision of housing in our urban centres.