Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Many people have come to me on this issue because they know the Green Party holds strong policies in respect of urban and rural village regeneration and all the benefits that brings - economic, social, environmental and climate. I am glad the Minister stated the fund will be launched shortly. I look forward to the detail on that. I have brought forward a Bill that considers how we can streamline the regulation process as well. That is very much part of it. It is good that the Government recognises that and has committed substantial funding to it. We also need to consider how we do this in the context of either private owners who want to do this or those who wish to develop second and third storeys. It is important that the whole pattern of how we do this is considered. I look forward to discussing those regulations and suggestions with the Minister at a later date.

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