Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. Approved housing bodies are provided for within Rebuilding Ireland and, along with local authorities and the private sector, can have a substantial role in the delivery and construction of social housing units to meet the demand that has been placed upon the State. I do not believe that we have explored or catered for the potential that exists for joint ventures. I am conscious of this week's announcement of the venture between Cairn Homes and NAMA. It is a good development and should be expanded upon by local authorities, approved housing bodies and the private sector in order for State-owned lands and local authority lands to be put to use as soon as is practicable.

It has come to my attention that there are up to 500 acres in south County Dublin which is zoned for residential use and is serviced but is not in use. There is no potential for this land to be put to use in the short to medium term. As the Minister said earlier, the effort and the commitment exist but there appear to be logjams. We need to identify those logjams as quickly as humanly possible with the special delivery units in local authorities in order that we can provide for opening those logjams. If we need legislation, then let us hear about it and pass it. Let us assure the public that this can be dealt with in the short term as well and the medium to long term.

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