Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late but as I had read the presentation, I am aware of what the board had to say. I welcome the witnesses and thank Dr. Kelly for her presentation. I acknowledge what has been said by previous speakers, much of which I agree with and I await the response of the witnesses in that regard.

The witnesses are well aware that we are in the midst of a housing crisis. I would go so far as to say it is an emergency. There is much talk and debate about new legislation to deal with the need in this area. As stated by previous speakers, it needs to be focused but balanced with built-in reviews and sunset periods in order that we, as legislators, can evaluate the strength or weaknesses associated with the efforts being made collectively by us all to address this huge crisis, which is the greatest single crisis facing the economy and society. We know this from our constituency clinics.

It is our job to ensure that An Bord Pleanála is focused but balanced and to ensure it plays its part in responding to this crisis. For example, in regard to the legislation to fast-track planning in respect of projects comprising over 100 units, I agree with the thrust of that, although there are elements of it that need to analysed and debated by the Oireachtas with a view to improving it. My biggest concern in that regard, among other things, pertains to the ability of An Bord Pleanála to meet the expectation that will be placed upon it. Does An Bord Pleanála have the necessary personnel and resources to enable it to meet the demands that will be placed on it? I agree with those demands. I am happy to see that there is provision for a statutory period within which the board must make a decision.

I want to respect the wishes of the Chairman and so I will not mention specific cases, but the witnesses will be well aware of a case involving Bord na Móna that has been put back twice now and in respect of which the High Court has said that if there is no decision by January, it will be in the negative. That will have huge implications for my constituency and the greater midlands region and for Bord na Móna and the 1,200 people employed by it. We are speaking about an area of Bord na Móna's business that is the only one that is profitable despite the fact that there are commitments to-----