Ms Anne Marie O'Connor:

Mr. Cussen has set the situation out well. When we talk about the concept of density in our submissions, that is related to this aspect. I refer to the number of houses local authorities must provide and how much land they must zone to achieve that aim. If local authorities use too low a density in that calculation, it means they are overestimating the quantum of land needed. This is the classic issue, as raised earlier, of how can we avoid a situation where easier greenfield sites are developed but not the brownfield ones. Sites zoned on the edge of centres are likely to be developed in advance of more central and compact growth. It undermines the whole basis for the plan, namely, to develop a sustainable settlement and transport strategy.

The issue regarding infrastructure is also important. It confuses matters and makes it much more difficult for the infrastructure agencies to decide where they are going to invest. It also makes it more difficult in providing schools. We have a forum where we discuss these issues with the Department of Education and Irish Water, for example, to attempt to tease out these issues when we are considering making submissions on development plans. It is an aspect of which we are aware. We are also aware that there is only a certain amount of money and the focus must be on where such investment should go and on aligning it with the zoning of residential land, for the most part.