Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have concerns that in the past two years, there have been 100 cases. Sixty-seven were granted and 34 were refused. There is a housing crisis and the reason the committee invited the board to appear before it was to sort out issues. We all agree on the need for proper planning but there cannot be a system where 67 cases are granted and 34 refused when the board is the body that exists to try to work with the system. It was a big let-down. I live in County Carlow, which is classed as rural Ireland, and we need houses to be built. Given that the board deals with planning and housing, I am sure that it understands the need for local authorities to build houses. I hope that, following the process, there will be some sort of recognition that we need to fast-track housing applications and build houses. Recently, as our guests have probably encountered, local authorities seem to use more approved housing bodies, which have become very important. Will our guests comment on that?

My greatest concern, which was raised, is that the issue relates to people's quality of life and their home. One's home is like one's castle. Local authorities understand the need in a given area, as well as area plans. We need to examine the matter in the round but there has been a break between the board and the local authorities and they do not work together. Will our guests comment on the 34 refusals? Can anything be done for us in County Carlow? The problem is unreal. I have never seen so many homeless people or people who believe they have been left behind. Unless we, planners and local authorities take action together, it will not work.