Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle and Deputy Murphy for his question. As I pointed out earlier, it is key that the Land Development Agency is developing a model of housing which is social, affordable and cost-rental housing. From the applications that have been received by the LDA, actions speak louder than words. For example, the matrix for the applications in Shanganagh and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is that 34% are for social housing, 51% are for cost-rental and 15% are for affordable purchase. The work we have to do in the Department is to deliver those schemes now to ensure there is sustainable housing and an increase in supply for social tenants and that this supply is on public land. The kernel of the Land Development Agency's role is to deliver that.

We must also prioritise the legislation to place the Land Development Agency on a statutory footing and ensure that this work is prioritised and carried out. As I pointed out, there are currently nine sites under the control of the LDA on which it aims to deliver 3,600 homes. The agency is partnering with a number of local authorities and working with them on the ground to ensure we make the best possible use of public land to deliver public homes. The legislation will make clear the tasks the Land Development Agency will carry out to ensure we have sustainable tenancies in future for our citizens. I look forward to working with every Deputy in the House to achieve that.

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