James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Cathaoirleach regarding the treatment plants. We have to look at how we can facilitate that as much as possible while ensuring we stick to environmental rules and regulations and protect our water. I am very conscious of counties like Longford and a number of other counties that do not have a significant amount of private development. That impacts not only on the ability of local authorities to facilitate homes for private purchase but also on them being able to deliver affordable purchase homes or social homes because they does not have the opportunity for Part V properties that a lot of other local authorities have. We will continue to work with those local authorities to see what else we can do to help deliver the homes that are needed. We are also looking at how we can stimulate rural development. That is really important.

Regarding the vacant property grant, we have over 13,000 applications. It is something I regard as very important, coming from a provincial town myself, that where we have properties in towns that are not occupied but could be used for residential purpose, we have water and we have ESB connections. It is good for the local community. It allows for passive policing of antisocial behaviour. It is a win-win. I am doing everything I can to ensure provincial towns are looked after and facilitated as much as possible. There is a huge opportunity within our provincial towns to help solve the housing crisis in this country that has not really been tapped into to date.