Aubrey McCarthy (Independent)
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First, I acknowledge today's contribution from the CCMA and thank the witnesses for it. It clearly reflects what is going on and the reality experienced by local authorities on the ground. I raised some of those issues in the Seanad on 25 March with the Minister of State, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan. I specifically pointed to the underutilisation of tier 1 service plans and the severe staffing pressures in local authorities. In the witnesses' opening statement, it is very clear that they see the same.

In general, what are the most significant obstacles to housing delivery? How do issues such as land availability, planning regulations and infrastructure affect the timely delivery of the housing projects mentioned by Mr. Taaffe? What role does the CCMA play in addressing those challenges at local and national level?

I have a question about the main funding constraints facing local authorities such as Wexford in meeting their housing targets. I work closely with local authorities in Wicklow, Kildare and Dublin on housing. Does Mr. Taaffe believe that the current Government funding mechanisms are sufficient to support the delivery of social and affordable homes? Are there alternatives in innovative funding models that we are not considering that are being used internationally and that could be adapted by us and applied to the housing market in Ireland?

Many people have approached me regarding planning delays and bureaucracy. I know this has been mentioned many times. One email I received said that if a person wishes to buy a house in Meath, it takes five years from the time of looking at the land until he or she finally gets the keys with all the planning and building, etc., so there are significant planning delays. Are there specific legislative or regulatory reforms that would streamline that process?

Regarding public-private collaboration, there were significant issues and a bank bailout. What role do private developers play now in supporting housing delivery and how can collaboration between the public and private sectors be strengthened? Are there innovative housing models - partnership models between public and private - internationally?

How can we future-proof housing policy? How can we make sure it is sustainable in the long term given population growth? What measures can be taken to improve affordability and accessibility for key demographics, including young buyers and renters, particularly with regard to the tenant in situ scheme in Dublin and the budget that has been annihilated?

Mr. Taaffe mentioned the dereliction grant. There are something like 11,000 applicants for the dereliction grant. It is a wonderful initiative that could change town centres but in practice, it is not working. There are 11,000 applications but only 1,450 are after being paid out. I am not too sure of the exact figures. This should be a grant that encourages individuals to take up home ownership and invest in a derelict or vacant home. It is everything to win for. One case with which I am dealing involves a man who has been put through the mill. He has shown me the house and I have seen all the pictures of it. It was derelict. There was no roof and windows. He has nearly had to give his blood type to prove it was actually derelict. It feels as if people are guilty until proven innocent when they are applying for the dereliction grant.