Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On housing, the 10,000 sites were not discussed at the recent meeting, but I reported and answered questions here on the matter since then. The 10,000 sites have been identified. In some cases housing is under construction and in many others planning arrangements need to be considered. Land swaps are also being considered because it is believed that some very good deals can be effectively achieved. While I am not involved in the detail, I understand that many of the houses have been built and that by swapping some of the strategic land in good locations the units can be acquired immediately which would mean that the people on the local authority affordable housing list could get accommodation straight away. In other areas a group is trying to fast-track the development of these sites. However, most of the sites are very good for any housing and would be beneficial for affordable housing where the costs would be considerably cheaper.

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