Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 6, to delete line 33.

I have tabled this amendment because I am not very happy with the definition of "a vacant site" in this Bill. My amendment proposes the deletion of section 5(1)(a)(i) of the Bill, which defines such a site as one "situated in an area in which there is a need for housing". One could say there is a need for housing in many places. I believe a clearer definition is needed. I support some of the other amendments in this group, including those tabled by Deputy Wallace which refer to "an area of the site greater than 0.05 hectares". That seems fair enough. As I have said previously, many in-fill sites could end up being identified. It could be suggested that there is a need for housing in several in-fill sites, including areas between two houses. Places that people have used as parks for many years could be identified. The definition needs to be much clearer. A great deal of regeneration land has been identified. Some of it is fairly small in size. There are pockets of such land all over the place. Following the regeneration of Ballymun, there are pockets of land throughout Ballymun that could be utilised under some of the definitions that have been proposed. I support Deputy Wallace and I hope people will support my amendment.

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