John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their contributions. I am limited in what I can say because it is currently before An Bord Pleanála, but I will directly answer some of the questions that have been put.

Affordable housing will be delivered under three areas of activity on the site, the first of which is to enable affordable housing for purchase. Relevant provisions of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 have been commenced. The Government will support the local authority to get sites ready for the delivery of affordable housing. The Government has committed, in the budget, additional money that we are all familiar with. According to the notes I have been given, the cost-based rental housing remains the primary delivery of social housing on the site in question and the Government position on that has not changed.

I am sure, without having spoken directly to the Minister, that he shares Deputy O'Callaghan's frustration about the delays in the process. The Deputy will know that planning laws allow anybody to lodge an objection or appeal at any stage and there is no way for the Government, any local authority, or anyone else binding a receiver or anyone else from lodging an objection.

This is a flagship project and the Government is on top of it. Dublin City Council is required to provide the additional information and An Bord Pleanála, which has received an increase in its staff complement recently to deal with a backlog of cases, can then deal expeditiously with the information and this site can be developed.

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