Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Yes.

Something to be considered arose from our committee sessions. In jurisdictions that have much tighter control, observance and actions on dereliction and vacancy, there is provision for "meanwhile use". Somebody who does not want their building to fall under the derelict sites Act, can offer it up so that it is providing some sort of social community benefit and is therefore left out of this. As the Deputy knows, such successful "meanwhile use" can generate other actions, other businesses and other footfall, and can act as a catalyst to bring life into it. That is another good reason for trying to introduce it.

The Deputy spoke about NOAC. I have often thought that NOAC's range of observance of local authorities could be expanded into other areas. It should possibly be reporting on the amount of active travel being done on a yearly basis - footpaths, cycle paths, segregated and partial footpaths. If we are bringing representatives of NOAC before the committee, we could have a discussion with them on it.