Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Housing is one of the biggest issues facing Deputies in their weekly clinics. The numbers on housing lists are at an all-time high. People cannot afford to buy houses. Developers cannot afford to build and sell houses at the current market value. Demand far outstrips supply. Last week, I raised the issue of the land identified by the Land Development Agency more than 12 months ago. What is the status of that? Eight sites were identified. Last week the Minister advised that it is going through the process and they will not be ready for four to six weeks. That is just to complete the transfer of land from the current ownership to the new ownership. That means it will be at least another 24 to 36 months before any houses are built in that area.

Another initiative introduced was the planning exemption for changing commercial premises to residential premises introduced more than 18 months ago, but there have been only 48 applicants in that time. The Government made a promise regarding credit unions. The Government is failing to use available funds. Developers are sitting on land banks with planning permission but are not building because the current regulations are driving up the cost, the development levies are too high and they cannot get access to credit. This needs to change. The Government needs to revise the building regulations - not to compromise them but to revise how they are certified. It needs to revise the levies being charged and incentivise developers to build properties that are affordable for couples.

Some local authorities are far better than others in advancing applications. It is still too bureaucratic and takes too long. Unfortunately, the Government is still failing to deliver.

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