Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We are dealing with Pillar 3 and I wish to comment on 3.1 which relates to the local infrastructure housing activation fund, LIHAF, and then I will ask three questions about 3.6, 3.8 and 3.9. I do not wish to miss the opportunity to say well done to all involved in LIHAF, which was very impressive. We had a discussion about these three pillars in the Seanad with the Minister responding. Now we are having a discussion with the officials and I am very interested to see whether there are nuances or differences between the responses. We were told the LIHAF might be available at the end of the month, but it made for very interesting reading. If one looks at the document, Rebuilding Ireland, it is about having a focus. We must not lose sight of the fact there is an ambition to build a substantial number of new homes, 47,000 new units, up to 2021. When one reads the document concerning LIHAF, one realises it is talking about the expectation for the longer term way beyond 2021. If one reads anything in the media about it, they have identified places beyond that period. It is good and positive news. One could get into a debate about where it will all end and who, ultimately, will be living in those homes. That is another day's work, but in terms of delivery, Rebuilding Ireland is on track and I acknowledge that.

In the description of action No. 3.6 it is stated: "We will legislate to enable larger housing development applications (100+ units) to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála". The officials are aware of it and the fast-tracking process so I will not go on at length about it. That was one of the key reasons the Minister gave for wanting to get the legislation through, and not one application has been or can be made under the scheme. It is not likely to happen for some months. That must be a disappointment for the Minister and for everyone involved because having a fast-track approach was a key plank of Rebuilding Ireland.

During the debate, we were also assured that we would have a fine-tuned An Bord Pleanála, that e-planning would be on stream and that we would have regard to An Bord Pleanála's report. An Bord Pleanála had an internal report compiled. There were many recommendations made in that regard. These matters are not progressing as fast as everyone would like. I understand that there are processes and that things slow down but I really would like some sort of comment on this matter because it is really important.

Action No. 3.8 states, "We will develop and publish an Implementation Plan". I have already covered that and the key recommendations of the plan in respect of An Bord Pleanála. Will Mr. McCarthy comment on that and on where matters stand in respect of it?

Just to wrap up, action No. 3.9 states, "We will support the development of on-line planning services" with An Bord Pleanála. Again, this hinges on fast-tracking, which was the most important thing on the Minister's mind at that time, besides the homeless and the emergency responses required. We are glad to see that measures in that regard have begun to be rolled out and that people are getting housing. What is the timeframe involved in light of all the setbacks and given what Mr. McCarthy now knows? How is it all going to happen and when is it all going to happen? I am speaking specifically about the fast-track housing scheme.