Ms Ann Doherty:

To answer the question on CPO, I do not think that process is right for the public lands we have identified. Having an independent Land Development Agency could bring huge value to addressing some of this issue. These lands are owned in the main by a State and semi-State organisation so there is more merit in having an independent Land Development Agency. If we go down the CPO route it would end up costing the taxpayer a lot more. We have used CPO in our city very much with regard to dereliction.

As we said previously, we do not have much land available in private ownership. With regard to local authority building and local authority houses, I put in our statement that we need to be careful that we do not address short-term needs. I appreciate how serious they are but there is a longer-term societal gain to seek. Local authorities have a huge role in sustainable development, as my colleague said, and in proper urban design and planning. I mentioned the growth in the population of Cork city and its suburbs of 115,000 people, with 70,000 jobs. These workers are not all Irish but are from across the world and they need a solution to their housing needs. Not all of that is ownership. It includes affordable rent too. Local authorities have a wider role than just providing the units. I urge us all not to forget that. That probably covers most of my piece. I ask Mr. Geaney to address some other issues.