Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I absolutely agree with Deputy Mitchell. We have a lot of data now, including information on likely population growth as well as the need for schools, transport and other infrastructure. We must ensure the hierarchy of planning, from the NSS downwards, will all fit into what is actually required. We have started work on reducing zoning for housing in areas where there is clearly not a demand for it. That is the kind of planning we require. We need to get the top of the pyramid right, which is the national spatial strategy, and ensure everything down the line fits into that. Whether decisions are made by local or national government, they must be made within the parameters of population growth and with the potential of various regions. I would like to have a debate on it in the House when we reach the next stage in the process.

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