John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My colleague, Senator Seery Kearney, sends her apologies. Regarding the links from the RIAI, those are not working for us. It would be good if we can rectify this because it would be useful. I will use this time to tease out the low-rise medium density element. This is an imminent issue in the context of the density guidelines the Department is due to put out for consultation shortly.

I subscribe to that view. It is important that the developments we are granting permission to are viable first of all and then that people want to live in them. That has been quite problematic in recent times. We can achieve own-door density. I live in the centre of Waterford city in a terraced house. I step out on to the street and I am on the square. The shop is across the way and the dentist, the doctor, the butcher and the bike shop are nearby. Everything is in close proximity to me. It is not an alien concept. I know Ms Meghen mentioned that we have not seen much of it in Ireland. I would argue we probably have but it is many years since we have seen it in Ireland. If Ms Meghan could elaborate, I would be grateful.