Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The increased activity in the construction sector has been significant, with the latest commencement notice data showing a total of 30,724 residential dwellings commenced in 2021, which was a 42% increase on 2020. The 2021 total was almost equal to the combined total of 2016 and 2017.

The Deputy is correct, in that there will be increased demand. With a full opening up of the economy and lifting of all Covid restrictions, there will be increased activity and demand, but there are also many constraints and pressures on our delivery, for example, water and waste water infrastructure, inflation and other elements.

Regarding institutional capacity within local authorities, the Minister has been proactive in addressing these issues by working with local authorities through the CCMA and various other structures to identify capacity constraints and the additional staffing resources that are required to deliver the social housing targets set out in Housing for All.

Added to that, the Minister approved more than 200 new posts for local authorities to help deliver on the ambition in Housing for All.

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