Mr. Terry Sheridan:

If I may come in on this point as well, the purpose of the fast-track process was to fast-track the planning determination timelines for large-scale housing developments in view of the housing supply shortage that was in existence a few years ago. There were claims that the planning system was an impediment or obstacle to the progression of housing developments and delivery of housing supply.

This was considered in the context of the Rebuilding Ireland action plan in 2016, and it was a commitment that the Department and the then Minister, Deputy Coveney, incorporated in the plan. I accept the Deputy's point that the fast-track process was to facilitate the delivery of housing as speedily as possible and that it kind of undermines the system. Despite the granting of planning permission, the permissions are not being acted on as quickly as is necessary, but we are monitoring this issue. It was one of the issues addressed by the review group that reported back to us last week on the operation of the arrangements.