Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

——as opposed to being places where real decisions can be made. We are always talking about local government reform, devolving power, giving money, authority and responsibility to local authorities. I met the deputation to which Deputy Aylward referred because a little part of Carlow is part of my constituency. The issues raised were pertinent. Target figures were set for hubs, gateways and towns with populations greater than 2,000. Over the course of a five-year plan, fewer than 50 houses can be built in a county. Of late, one would come to the conclusion that dispersed rural communities were responsible for climate change, road infrastructure being shot to pieces, and a burden on all infrastructure. However, when one considers the crime figures and social cohesion it is difficult to sustain the argument that the social fabric in dispersed rural communities is not as good if not better than any big urban settlements where people live on top of each other and need public transport. It is fine for people to make a choice to live in whichever type of community but to restrict settlements of fewer than 2,000 to no more than 60 houses in a five-year period is tunnel vision. It is not practical. I cannot see it being supported.

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