Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know, but "in Ireland" was said and I wanted to clear that up. That is not a true statement for anyone to come out with in this House. Again, I listened to Deputy Ó Cuív and the same accusation that we are against one-off houses. In Galway all the houses built in recent years have been one-off houses, so the Deputy's statement is just not true. I am happy to debate this. I know there are problems in certain areas but I ask Deputies to have an honest conversation about what is true and what is not true. The facts do not back up some of the comments that were made during the debate. It is not factual to say we as a Government are against one-off housing. It is not true. The Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, and now I have clarified what is in Project Ireland 2040. I have debated this in this House, the other House and council chambers all around the country and we have been very clear that there are clear criteria for one-off housing to be allowed in future scenarios under the national planning framework. I, therefore, ask Deputies to not try to muddy the waters. That is different from trying to find environmental solutions, and I want to be very clear about that.

Much of the conversation tonight has been about rural decline. I live in rural Ireland, Deputy Ferris. I know all about it. I am on those laneways and roads every day of the week, so-----

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