Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Ó Broin is dead right in that modern methods of construction have been around for longer than most, if not all, of us in this Chamber. There has absolutely been success with modern methods of construction but there have also been some issues and problems with them, so it is important we learn from that. I want to see off-site construction work and I do not want it to be tarnished if there are construction defects at any location. There was a suggestion from Deputy Ó Broin that there would be engagement with the national building control office or some mechanism to make sure this would be properly regulated and inspected. Problems can arise with scaling up and with the use of building methods if there is not sufficient experience with them, so that side of it is very important.

Another way this could be tarnished is if it is not well planned or designed. Where there is public participation on this, one of the key issues that tends to pop up relates to infrastructure, amenities, community facilities, playgrounds and so on. In my area, in public participation or Part 8 processes for social housing, I have seen these issues arise, be addressed through the planning process and be worked and delivered on. I have a key concern, therefore, and I have not heard anything from the Minister that reassures me on this. I heard him quote the new section 13 of amendment No. 43, which lists the definition of a “housing development”, including the provision of open spaces, recreational and community facilities and amenities, but the fact that is included in the definition of what is included under “housing development” is no guarantee we will get it. This is raised with us all the time by people providing social homes, whereby they do not have funding streams for these much-needed facilities. In fact, it was raised with us in the Oireachtas housing committee just yesterday. Are there going to be specific funding streams for these off-site or modern methods of construction, or whatever we want to call them, to make these communities thrive and work?

See this speech in context