James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It need hardly be restated the housing crisis is in full swing - one can almost hear the drums outside the House on Kildare Street. Every inch of available land is being considered for development. Funds such as LIHAF have been put in place and every kind of assistance and support is available to ensure such land can be developed to provide housing units. However, while we are in the centre of this crisis, under this plan land is being dezoned and further growth in the commuter belt is actively being curtailed.

The population of Naas, the county town of Kildare and a tier 1 growth town under every plan for the past 20 years, is projected to grow to 50,000. Local authorities, State agencies and public representatives of all hues have been working towards that goal. Infrastructure has been put in place. Some €110 million is being spent on the N7 bypass and Sallins train station has been massively upgraded. Several new schools are being built in the area.

The Osberstown wastewater treatment plant is being upgraded. I refer to the Naas ring road and the Sallins bypass. The Millennium Park employment centre is being built, with the Kelly Group and other multinational companies locating in the area. Everything that is needed for growth of a county town with a population of 50,000 is in place, including the infrastructure, services and other supports. It has been planned and ready to go for the past 20 years and just as we are on the cusp of that coming good, we are now being told to pull down the curtain, turn away and build no more. That is insanity at any time, but particularly in the middle of a housing crisis. I hope the Minister of State will consider that.

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