Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We are certainly in agreement on that matter. I have one question now on densities and another on the appeals process in respect of An Bord Pleanála. I refer to the view that the OPR is trying to force higher densities on provincial towns. A town such as Gorey, for example, is no different from Newbridge, Navan, or Clonmel. The idea in respect of higher densities is that we must look at building duplexes and apartments, when there is not a market for them in many of those towns. My home town of Gorey has a population of approximately 11,000 people now and it is growing rapidly. If we talk about developer-led endeavours, developers like higher densities because packing in more people will enable them to make more profit.

However, demand in those provincial towns is not for that higher density of development but for three-bed, semi-detached starter homes. From the perspective of getting houses built, it is more difficult for developers expected to build blocks of apartments because there are many more complications, as Mr. Cussen will be aware. It is much harder to provide housing if we focus on that approach.

My final question, because I will not get a chance to come back in, concerns An Bord Pleanála and appeals. Mr. Cussen mentioned some reviews happening in that regard. However, one of the big challenges for housing and infrastructure generally concerns cranks, as I will call them, but Mr. Cussen would not, in the system lodging appeals to An Bord Pleanála against planning and holding up major infrastructure projects. What actions can we take against such objectors? I am not talking about people who have legitimate issues, obviously, but about people who, for whatever reason, object to projects over on the far side of the country and, in turn, delay the planning process.