Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 14 December 2023

Public Accounts Committee

Appropriation Accounts 2022
Vote 34 - Housing, Local Government and Heritage - Programme A - Housing
Financial Statements 2022 - The Housing Agency
Report on the Accounts of the Public Services 2022
Chapter 11 - Utilisation of the Land Aggregation Scheme Sites

9:30 am

Mr. Bob Jordan:

The local authorities are always at the centre of decision-making. Ultimately, we are trying to bottom out whether the land can be used for social and affordable housing. If it is not, it can be used for other purposes such as car parking, sports facilities, community grounds and so on. Regarding the disposal of lands, ultimately, it is a ministerial decision. We want to engage intensively with the local authorities where these remaining lands are located and come to a final decision in the next 12 months. It is correct for Deputies to point out that this has gone on for quite a long time. It is an historical issue and needs to be dealt with.