Ms Rachel Kenny:

This is still a relatively new process, but we are monitoring the mix of units coming through. We are retrofitting a lot of areas and increasing the numbers of one, two and three bedroom units where previously there were only three and four bedroom semi-detached units being built. Obviously, changing demographics are changing the nature of housing provision. Strategic housing development applications only form a small component of the different types of housing applications that go before the planning authorities or before An Bord Pleanála. The process is only for developments of 100 units or more. In the two years in which it has been in operation, only 100 applications have been decided upon. There have been numerous other applications decided upon by the planning authorities that are below the 100 plus threshold. It is only a small element and it is not the solution for all housing delivery.

Again, the mix would change depending on the nature of the application coming before us but we do keep an eye on that. In terms of planning histories, the fact that there might be repeat applications is not exclusive to the SHD process. Prior to SHD, under section 34, there could be several applications on the same site relating to different types of housing development. Obviously, when developers have permission, they can nuance or change their proposals depending on the market, difficulties when they go on site, or funding, for example. There has always been planning history relating to section 34-----