Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In his reply the Minister of State referenced the fact that these are great sites, but nothing is being delivered. They present a real opportunity for the delivery of significant housing in Inchicore and Shanganagh. Like Deputy Eoin Ó Broin, I want to know if the Minister of State will consider direct funding. They projects require direct funding to get them off the ground. The Dáil cannot, nor should it, micro manage every social and affordable housing site, but as a flagship project response to the housing crisis, these can be two very significant sites. I have discussed the matter at length with my colleagues, Senator Catherine Ardagh and Councillor Cormac Devlin. There is cross-party support in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown for this to happen.

On investment by the credit union movement, which was approved on 1 February, there has been no move on the part of the Department in the utilisation of credit union funding. Credit Union funding could also be looked at for the projects. I would like to know if the Minister of State will consider directly funding the projects from the Exchequer and perhaps partnering with the credit unions.

See this speech in context