Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A number of questions have been asked together and were addressed across the board. Senator Coffey and Deputy Smyth asked about the town teams, which either Ms McConnell or Mr. Hynes referenced. Someone also asked about visual aids and County Offaly. Senator Coffey asked the Department's views on what will happen beyond this pilot. Mr. Hynes was asked about the city and county managers and the responsibility of buying property, which must be led by them as they have those powers. Senator Hopkins asked about the cost and what kind of incentives might help, which Deputy Fitzmaurice also mentioned. Senator Hopkins also asked where we go from here. Deputy Fitzmaurice asked Ms Whyte, the Department and Mr. Hynes some very targeted questions about planning. I ask the witnesses to try to avoid repetition when answering those questions. I call Mr. Parnell from the Department.