Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I take the Cathaoirleach's point. On a general note, as he will be well aware, any planning authority, where it believes it necessary, can attach conditions regarding demolition and construction waste. There is a wider issue in that people may apply for applications for physical destruction before going to the EPA. There is a question as to whether that should change, requiring them to go to the EPA first and then deal with the physical structure.

As I said, the Department of Transport is responsible for meeting its own targets. This particular area falls under its direct remit. We are responsible for reaching targets on housing, much of the policy on which is being directed by another Department. There is a broader discussion on how to meet our targets. Ultimately, we have climate action legislation that is basically under the remit of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and its Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan. He has written to local authorities about their climate action plans. I take the Cathaoirleach's point but there is a wider question that applies across Departments, not just specifically to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.