Mr. Se?n Armstrong:

Again, our planning colleagues are not here but they have given us some briefing material. Most members of the committee will be aware of the objectives under the national planning framework and Housing for All with regard to the efficient use of existing buildings, reducing vacancy and in-fill development schemes. City and county development plans are required to include mandatory objectives to identify areas in need of regeneration, to bring derelict, redundant and underutilised lands, sites and buildings back into active use and to address housing need. This directly aligns with the principles of compact growth, the Town Centre First approach and sustainable development by supporting the urban fabric and re-use of existing resources, reducing the need for greenfield development. The Croí Cónaithe fund has been established to service sites and refurbish vacant properties in regional towns and villages. They are the main initiatives.