Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to give an example of the point Deputy Eoin Ó Broin is trying to make. Constituents in Cork North-Central went to buy their home from the local authority under tenant purchase but because there were problems with the land register and because the house was built on three different plots going back over 100 years, that family waited over 20 years before they could buy the home. They would have had the home paid for if they had got the mortgage on time. This shows the problems that arise . I was a city councillor for 11 years and I know the city council would try to take control of a small piece of land if it might hinder a development or construction that is needed. There is a process involved in that which can delay developments, whether it is for extensions, housing or business. The point was made that we are not looking for this to happen straight away but it is something which would benefit local authorities, the State and constituents.