John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a question for Mr. Parlon and Mr. Benson and it follows the Chairman's question. Excluding the strategic housing developments that have received planning permission in 2020 and 2021, which would allow for the 12 months to 18 months lead-in to commencement that Mr. Benson mentioned in his first contribution, we would still only have 47% commencement on SHDs, which is disappointing when we consider the housing supply issues we have. Is the federation in discussion with the owners of the other 53% of properties where permission has been granted to ascertain what their issues are? If not, could it carry out the exercise and perhaps liaise with the Department to see if there are common trends or themes?

There was mention of water and waste infrastructure issues, which are raised with me in my area in Waterford, particularly in the county area. What other viability issues have the witnesses and the federation members experienced?

Outside of Dublin, Cork and the Dublin commuter belt, have federation members gone the local authority planning route as opposed to going through the SHD process, keeping the level of units below 100, because they do not want the density requirements imposed by An Bord Pleanála if they go directly through the SHD route? That density equates to apartments, duplexes and terraces and there may not be a market for them in regional Ireland. Is that an issue and what is the opinion of the witnesses in that regard?

I want to tease out head 8 and the element of further information, although in a slightly different way from that of Deputy Cian O'Callaghan and Senator Rebecca Moynihan. Is it not the case that if the pre-consultation is as comprehensive as it is intended to be, further information should not be an issue? All those matters should be addressed in the pre-consultation phase so there should not be new issues raised at the further information stage. I wanted to add some balance to the question.