James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his very good answers on affordable housing. This is of enormous concern to many younger buyers. As the youngest Member of the Oireachtas, I hear these concerns almost every day from people who are struggling to access housing in their communities. I am delighted to hear that Cork County Council is facilitating some of the very first developments under the Minister’s tenure. I ask him to ramp up the level of development in order that it is spread right around the county. I am talking about places such as Midleton, Killeagh, Youghal and Cobh. These are growing areas that need housing for young populations. An interesting statistic is that the east Cork area has one of the youngest working populations in the country, as well as one of the fastest growing. Therefore, we need the housing stock. We also need investment from Irish Water. The same has to be said for north Cork, including Mitchelstown. I am delighted progress is being made in Mallow but the people of Mitchelstown need the Minister’s support. I thank him for his answers today.

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