Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I thank the representatives of AILG and LAMA for being here today. I thank them for all of the work that went into their submissions and making sure that councillors are kept informed of everything that happens at a national level. I was a member of the South Dublin County Council for a decade so I am well aware of the amount of commitment and hard work that councillors need to do their job to the full extent. The pandemic has made the job of councillors even more difficult this past year and people have been under huge stresses and strains. I just wanted to acknowledge all of that.

I thank everybody for their contributions today and we have had a fruitful discussion. It is great to air the concerns and worries about the Bill as well as what is welcome. The section 183 powers are an issue repeatedly mentioned. I differ slightly from Senator Boyhan who said that no compromise can be accepted. I would love to think that we can find a compromise and common ground that protects the democratic powers of local councillors while making sure that we give the LDA enough teeth to deliver homes, including affordable homes, and I think we are all united in that purpose.

From a reserved function perspective in terms of the disposal of lands, for sites in towns with a population of 30,000 or fewer where councillors know best the terrain, the population area, the needs of the population and the area, it is critical that councillors retain their powers, autonomy and ability to dispose of the land. In towns like Ennis, Naas, Athlone, Wexford, Celbridge and Tralee we need to ensure that councillors have the deciding impact as to what should happen to land in their areas. In bigger urban areas it is probably already acknowledged that housing is quite often going to be the best use of land but that is where I think the Land Development Agency has a role to play. I would like to see that role being played in collaboration with elected members as well as with the chief executive and management. It is up to councillors to determine how best to use land. The way forward is to reach a compromise whereby smaller towns with a population of 30,000 or fewer have the ability to decide autonomously what happens to the land in their area. Also, in collaboration with the LDA, there is the ability to work out how best to serve the higher population areas. I would love to hear the views of the witnesses on these matters.

The witnesses have mentioned that a decision must be made regarding the percentages of the affordable housing scheme. It is interesting to note that the Minister can only set percentages if it is lower than 50% rather than higher. That makes sense to me and I would welcome hearing the perspectives of the witnesses on the matter.

Councillor Hoade spoke about transparency. I welcome the fact that commercial activities will be subject to freedom of information, FOI, for anything to do with the LDA. It is intended to get to that state eventually but I would like the LDA to be designated a public official, like we all are when it comes to the likes of the lobbying register. I would welcome the views of the witnesses on the matter.

Finally, I thank the witnesses for the huge amount of work that has gone into this matter. I hope that, as the LDA progresses, it can collaborate with the AILG and LAMA. I hope that we will work together efficiently, well and supportively with councillors across the country. That is what we all need to achieve.