Dáil debates

Tuesday, 24 November 2020

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions

Planning Issues

8:35 pm

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

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Deputy for the question.

The LDA was established on an interim basis in September 2018 by way of an establishment order made under the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971 , pending the enactment of primary legislation when it will be established as a commercial State agency.

The LDA is currently working on a HSE-owned 14.5-acre site on the grounds of St. Kevin's Hospital, Cork. The agency has advised my Department that this site will deliver approximately 274 units. The project is currently in the pre-planning stage, with a strategic housing development pre-application consultation already completed with An Bord Pleanála. The LDA envisages that the strategic housing development planning application will be lodged for the site by the end of 2020.

As with all State bodies operating under the aegis of my Department, arrangements have been put in place by the agency whereby Oireachtas Members can request information directly from it regarding operational matters. In this regard, it may be contacted directly at .

Once the planning application proceeds, we expect a decision to be made by An Bord Pleanála within a 16-week period. This will be a significant project for the LDA because we note the agency will be a huge arm of the State in the delivery of low-cost, affordable quality homes for citizens. The site, along with the other nine currently in the ownership of the agency, is part of the proposal to deliver 4,000 quality homes, which are very important to our citizens.

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