Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett, strategic development zones are developed in the first instance by local representatives in city councils and other local authorities. They are not developed by the Minister acting alone. There is always a minimum figure of 10% for social housing. The Deputy can take it that the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and the relevant Minister of State are focused on the fact that moneys spent by the Exchequer on infrastructure will have to show a very clear result in terms of social housing provision. The Deputy mentioned two sites. The draft plans will be developed and placed before the Minister in due course. There are no free dinners, nor should there be.

On the comment of Deputy Gerry Adams on President-elect Trump, he had a long and very constructive and meeting with the former Vice President, Mr. Al Gore, who is now dealing with the issue of climate change and carrying out global visits. I understand the meeting was quite constructive and informative for the President-elect. It may well have an impact on the actions he proposes to take from here on.

The Deputy is correct; everybody living along a river such the Shannon has local knowledge and experience. When I visited the area, people told me that many years ago during the summer they used to walk across the river at particular points at low water. A great deal of work is ongoing. Extensive work has been carried out in Athlone to attempt to prevent flooding this winter and I hope the rains will not be of the same order as last year.

I was in Craughwell, County Galway a week ago with Deputy Ciarán Cannon, the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Canney, and others. Work will take place there in the next three years. The first development in 50 years is taking place on the Dunkellin river and a diversionary channel with proper structures is being put in place. Work has been carried out by the Office of Public Works and engineering firms to undertake the work properly. I can have the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Canney, supply Deputy Gerry Adams with the details of all of the works taking place. They are extensive and will continue.

On urban waste, part of the reason we need a national public utility is to deal with the fact that, according to the EPA, raw sewage is still being discharged into lakes, rivers and seas. This is not acceptable in 2016. We will deal with the issue by having a national entity that will be able to seek savings in public procurement and provide real value for money which is happening to a great extent.

On the point made by Deputy Joan Burton, there have been many more applications received than the amout of money available. The Minister of State, Deputy Damien English, has pointed out on many occasions that there are increased levels of assistance and increased opportunities available under the programme for Government and the housing action plan to deal with the development of sites. A special unit in the Department will deal with the matter and the Minister of State will make the decision on what sites should be selected. We will not select sites to be opened and then find that no houses have been built for ten years. In cases in which people are ready to go, if supply is the issue, it should be given priority. Are we going to continue to carpet the entire Dublin region in the same manner for the next 20 years? Should we instead consider the structure and nature of developments we want to see in the next 20 years, given its burgeoning population?

On the point made by Deputy Eamon Ryan, following the meeting next week I expect ot have a response to his question. It is to be hoped progress will be made in the national dialogue. I enjoyed the conversations with and presentations made by the groups he brought before the Cabinet sub-committee. I will respond to him next week.

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