Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Councillors Malone, Anglim, Sheahan, Colgan, Fennelly and Hoade for their attendance today. This committee deals with housing, local government, planning and heritage, which are all key areas in which local government delivers. We previously had the CCMA and the approved housing bodies before the committee with regard to the affordable housing Bill. We would welcome further engagement with both associations the witnesses represent. They are very welcome to stay in contact with us. From my time in local government, I know that it is when councillors are working well together and working well with the executive that the best projects are produced. That is when the best outcomes are achieved. I understand the concerns councillors have with regard to section 183 because it reads like they are to be excluded from the process. I understand and have listened to those concerns. Engagement between the organisations and the Land Development Agency would be beneficial and would allow those areas to be teased out and councillors' concerns to be discussed. I thank the witnesses for their time this morning. It has been very helpful for us.