Ms Sarah Neary:

The national planning framework set the context for State land management and structures. The review of cost report contains a recommendation which calls for more active State land management.

On mixed tenure developments, we are very encouraging. We are working with local authorities on a number of such projects. We really like to have a mix of social, affordable and private housing. That is very much the principle of sustainable communities we have espoused for years. Projects at O'Devaney Gardens and Corkagh Park in south Dublin are being advanced. As Mr. O'Mahony outlined, the industry has responded very positively to the projects. The local infrastructure housing activation fund, LIHAF, is another area in which funding is being pumped into lands to facilitate greater housing delivery into the future, certainly at an affordable level.

I wish to address the two questions asked about An Bord Pleanála. Like any other planning authority, An Bord Pleanála abides by guidelines, rules and regulations. The local authorities zone land and set the context for development. An Bord Pleanála then applies the regulations and guidelines as a planning authority.

The work of the NPF will be advanced through the regional assemblies. In 2019 revisions to development plans will be required on foot of the spatial and economic regulations.

On the costs associated with universal design, the housing elements we incorporated into Part M are the least onerous. There are various levels which can be seen in some pilot projects such as the one in Cabra, from which we are learning. The National Disability Authority is carrying out research into universal design, the findings of which will inform what my Department might incorporate into Part M.