Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 16 April 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht

EU Scrutiny Report and Future Priorities and Challenges: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

10:25 am

Photo of Kevin HumphreysKevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to raise two matters. It has been stated, especially within urban areas like Dublin and Cork, that there is a shortage of housing. The ESRI reports have shown that there is a substantial shortage. It is normal to hear commentators on radio and television say that there are planning blockages regarding housing development. Has the Department done some work on the matter? I am not sure whether there are planning blockages because a substantial number of properties in urban areas have received planning permission.

Today, a REIT scheme was launched by a Canadian company and I looked at its business model for Canada.

The Canadian business model is to use 10% for social housing. Has there been engagement on that?