Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)
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That is great and promising. The reason I ask the question is that I know the LDA has done a great job in various areas. A nationwide approach is needed to help unlock the solution to the housing crisis. Often with centralised agencies – I understand the thought process – the focus is on cities. Obviously, there are financial impediments that make it more cost effective to target towns with populations of over 10,000 in addressing many of the housing challenges. This is a crisis that faces every community. I have a number of sites in mind and would welcome it if the delegates worked with me on identifying sites and perhaps with the local authority on delivering them. I have confidence in the LDA's ability to deliver quality accommodation, both affordable and social. A site that comes to mind is also in Ballina, where I am from. It is the Ballina Mineral Water site in the town centre. Its acreage is quite small. I believe it is 4 or 5 acres. It was purchased compulsorily by Mayo County Council to facilitate a Tesco development. Tesco then reneged on its initial proposal to develop the site. It is in the heart of the town centre and if we are serious about regenerating and revitalizing our town centres, we need to realise that while the sites may not be of the most attractive scale, they could have a huge impact in being the catalyst for regeneration. With regard to the site in question, there are seven residential units on the streetscape. A step behind that are a lot of green space and brownfield sites. Therefore, an old mineral water site can offer a lot from a regeneration point of view, providing housing, additional parking in the town centre and public realm work to stimulate regeneration. It can be very powerful and very impactful if delivered. I welcome the identification of a site in the area next to St. Patrick's Church. I ask the delegates to work with me on other sites across Mayo. In this regard, I am aware that councillors have identified several in Castlebar. I would like to work with the delegates to support with delivery because there is great potential to help shoulder the burden of the challenge that is the housing crisis right across the country.

New towns were mentioned this afternoon, but if we can address the needs of existing towns, which may be threadbare, especially at night, if nobody lives in their centres, it will be beneficial. I live in the town centre and see that from 6 p.m. onwards, it is quite quiet. It is the same in every market town across the country. Existing towns, where there are still family-owned businesses hanging on by a thread, can really be revitalised, and their charm, culture, history and heritage can make a genuine difference. I would welcome work on this. If the delegates have further thoughts on this in the couple of seconds left, I will welcome them.