Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming in and giving their reports. It is much appreciated. In saying that, if one talks to members of the Traveller community living on halting sites, the story is very different.

They are still struggling to get basic amenities serviced, including sewerage and water services.

I represent the Travelling community in Labre Park. A plan was put in place almost four years ago, but it has been dogged by issues and problems. The community is still in the position it was in nearly five years ago. Is the expert review group looking at how to move on plans and designs for halting sites? As we are all aware, halting sites were temporary arrangements introduced in the 1990s but they have become permanent homes for people. It is important that they are addressed quickly. We know where they are and what the issues are. How can we achieve movement on this issue in all the local authorities? Mr. Ward said that South Dublin County Council has a very good relationship with the LTACCs. There is a certain urgency about dealing with the issue of halting sites.

A question was asked about making provision for transient sites in county development plans. How will transient sites be implemented? In what way will they be implemented through the development plans or the expert review group?

I also have a question on Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000. I note that in Housing for All, the Department has stated that 90,000 social housing units, 36,000 affordable housing units and 18,000 cost-rental units will be delivered by 2030. The Minister reduced the Part V requirement from 20% to 10%. Will that impact on the figures for builds over the next ten years? The 20% social housing requirement will not come into effect until 2025 for many new plans, which will impact on the figures if they are based on the 20% requirement.

A point was made that the number of homeless families has been reduced to 930, which represents a fall of 48%. Probably one of the biggest impacts in achieving that reduction was the introduction of legislation banning evictions during Covid. With that ban lifted, will we see more families becoming homeless and the figure possibly rising again?