Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)

I will be very brief. I have a number of questions. On the LDA and the powers the Minister, Deputy Browne announced this morning, I am conscious that the language in his press release is very vague. Will that compel State bodies to transfer land to the LDA? We have had issues in Limerick with the ESB and other utilities, particularly with regard to lands in Rosbrien and them failing to properly engage with the LDA on transferring that land.

I also have a question about the LDA's engagement with local representatives, especially councillors. There has been a consistent back-and-forth between councillors, the LDA and the Mayor of Limerick. The whole process was rather unhelpful and could have been managed better. How much additional funding does the LDA think it needs for infrastructure between now and 2028? I know that an ask has gone in for €200 million for the Carey's Road-Colbert Quarter site in Limerick, and that will unlock 2,800 to 4,000 homes. I wonder when that will be approved.

I wish to ask about apartment delivery as well, and whether what was announced with regard to these changes to rent caps will guarantee the delivery of increased supply. Has that been modelled? With regard to the system of reference rents, I want to get an idea why, as is very clear, the LDA is not in favour of that, from the report it published last week. I want to know why. Is it because it is complicated and bureaucratic? The LDA might elaborate on that.