Francis Noel Duffy (Dublin South West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Cussen and his team for the briefing and the work they are doing to regulate our planning system. I have a question. I am not sure Mr. Cussen can answer it, given his remit, but I will ask it anyway. It relates to the SHD scheme. Has Mr. Cussen concerns about it? It is not meeting its primary role of fast-tracking housing delivery and bypassing statutory development plans in the context of the densities and locations that planning permission is being given by An Bord Pleanála. According to the last report, SHDs were commencing on site at a rate of 29%, which was well short of the 80% envisaged. My office has done some research. The regular planning system for applications of between ten and 100 units has a commencement rate of 56% in south Dublin, 40% in another area, 36% in Westmeath and 32% in Dublin city. In light of these measurements, is the new scheme being proposed by the Department appropriate? Is the current scheme not fit for purpose, given that it is not delivering on its remit?