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

I thank Deputies Flaherty and Harkin for their contributions. Right across the country, we are seeing a significant increase in housing commencements. It is the responsibility of local authorities to show ambition. As I said, Housing for All is underpinned by record State funding. The local authorities, through their housing strategies, must ensure serviced land is available and that they are meeting the infrastructural requirements and meeting the demand that is there for all tenure types.

Schemes like Croí Cónaithe are delivering, particularly in small rural towns and villages, where refurbishment commencements are starting to deliver. We need to see more. There is still considerable dereliction in our small towns and villages and that needs to be addressed very proactively. Resources have been put into local authorities to try to achieve that. I appreciate the comments the Deputy is making but delivery is happening and the Government has not been found wanting in providing the resources or various schemes to ensure delivery.

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