Ms Moira Murrell:

We are very much focused on short-term letting, especially in the west Kerry Gaeltacht, because we have evidence there is a very high number of homes potentially there that could provide a relief to an under-supplied market and are let on a short-term basis. The local authority is pursuing that. It is primarily once-off housing in the Gaeltacht. That is reflective of the lack of infrastructure and water and wastewater infrastructure throughout our Gaeltacht area, which is reflected in many other rural areas in the county. Our rural policy in those areas is that one has to be intrinsically linked to the area, such as being a son, daughter or landholder. Our plans do not support or countenance speculative development or non-family-home second home development.

We are drafting the development plan review and we are out for public consideration. Similar to what Mr. Lucey was saying, we have had numerous meetings. Public engagement is hugely important. I spoke earlier about the small cluster development we have included in the draft county development plan which is in some way to address the housing need we note is there and allow some form of development where we know we do not have water or wastewater provision.

With regard to the affordable housing scheme, outside of An Daingean itself we do not have multi-unit developments. The water and wastewater is the inhibitor in that. The affordable template would only apply in that context. Outside of that category, a development would not qualify under the current scheme of affordability.