Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Cahill. For everyone's information, the chair-designate of the LDA will be in with the committee next Thursday at 5.30 p.m., so we will probably be able to follow up on some of these questions then as well.

Regarding planning, I refer to situations where we seek to develop the derelict upper, second-floor and third-floor levels of buildings where people once lived over shops. Those buildings were once used commercially but never will be again. In the context of trying to adapt those buildings for residential use, often the ability of those wishing to undertake such development is curtailed regarding the public realm, including extending the footpaths outside doors, for example. It is hard to encourage people to live in such buildings in town centres if they will be stepping out onto busy streets with only a narrow footpath, perhaps 2 ft or 3 ft wide, in front of them. Much of the required development in this context is needed outside these buildings. How do we pull together public realm design and endeavours to address dereliction and vacancy on the upper floors of buildings to enable the development of residential opportunities? How can we focus the local authority in respect of developing the public realm facet, while at the same time focusing on the redevelopment or reuse of vacant buildings? Ms Harvey has indicated that she wishes to contribute on this matter.