Mr. Donal McCormack:

I thank the Deputy for his comments. The main point I want to make relates to what he said about convincing local authorities. We have previously called out that there have been attempts in some local areas for a vacant land use policy or something along those lines. Ultimately, there has to be legislation to put an additional duty on local authorities to provide this for local communities, whether temporarily or otherwise. If land is to remain idle in the medium term, we see no reason that cannot immediately be given for community use. We are aware of some local authorities which would not give land to local community groups because they would be afraid they would not get it back. A culture change is required in that area. Ultimately, it is down to putting additional duties on the local authority to provide additional community facilities for the benefit of all the local residents.