Maria Bailey (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not answering Deputy Boyd Barrett's question but, while we disagree on the make-up of the site, I concur that the scheme proposed by the 40 councillors in Dún Laoghaire was considered in light of various framework options that existed over a year ago. They were costed. Reference was made to the question of how the scheme would be funded. A substantial document was submitted by the 40 councillors, principally from the three councillors mentioned earlier. It is now a year on but I have not seen why the proposal does not work in principle. I look forward to the workshop. I stood on the site well over a year ago. Having been 12 years in a local authority, I, like Deputy Boyd Barrett, have a vast understanding of the complexities involved in delivering social housing in local authority areas. We have not really received sufficient feedback on the Shanganagh site. I am not blaming people; we are just trying to get answers to move the work forward. That is all. Dún Laoghaire is well resourced considering our capital programme, what we take in through local property tax, and the proportion of it that goes towards housing – €18 million. We are in a good position. I look forward to in-depth responses during the workshop programme. I hope a meeting will be facilitated regarding Cherrywood also.

I thank all the witnesses who attended today. Some had to travel a little farther than others. I thank them for the detailed statements they issued us with. If they want to send us further information, we will be delighted to receive it. These kinds of engagements really help us when we are going though policy. We are also questioning the Department. I thank the witnesses for their attendance. I am sorry for delaying them this morning. We have gone well over the allotted time but it was a really interesting discussion.