Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The answer to that question is "Yes". We have worked with every local authority, including the local authority in the Deputy's constituency, to ensure that what they have requested is being prioritised. We are working with the local authorities on that and are being as flexible as we can to help sign off on projects that can be turned around as quickly as possible, whether that be new builds or where there is an excess of voids. It is clear to us that every local authority has unique circumstances be it an excess of voids as is the case in some local authorities or where, in fairness, local authorities have aggregated land for new builds, done the planning etc.

Regarding the local authority in the Deputy's constituency with which I am quite familiar, the priorities indicated by him and other Deputies from the area will be met, particularly in terms of those in a vulnerable situation. There are particular challenges in regard to Kildare, given that it is in the conurbation around Dublin. I am satisfied that in the past year in particular the Kildare local authority has ramped up in terms of everything it needs to do from a resource, planning and delivery point of view to hit the targets we set it, particularly with regard to vulnerable people because like other local authorities around Dublin, it has specific issues.

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