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

There were many concerns raised when it was mooted first that An Bord Pleanála would be paying fines to developers or applicants for delays. I will not go into why that provision was included in the first place. I understand the Department wants to keep An Bord Pleanála to timelines but the board having to pay fines to developers sends out the wrong message.

Mr. Hogan referred to trying to be ambitious with the draft Bill. I know the draft Bill is about much more than housing but the crisis at the moment is in housing. What is in the draft Bill to tackle the thousands of uncommenced planning permissions that would, if developed, deliver an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 properties? If those were delivered, it would make a profound difference in terms of solving or reducing the housing crisis or emergency. Is there anything in the draft Bill to tackle that issue?