Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is a growing need for low-cost sites. It will help in addressing the housing crisis. It might not be the only solution but it will give young people a chance to secure their first home in every part of the country, especially in my county of Kerry. The area is under significant pressure, including around towns such as Killarney, Cahirsiveen, Killorglin and Castleisland. We have huge issues with planning. I like the idea the Minister mentioned about introducing a maverick. I hope he or she will be successful. It will require something like that to address the housing crisis. We need to free up planning permission for our own people who are landowners' and farmers' sons and daughters. As I said before, it is bordering on criminal that people who have their own land, where there are no traffic hazards and no percolation or wastewater treatment issues, cannot obtain planning permission. We are forcing people onto our housing lists. This needs to be addressed.

Another issue to address are the national primary and secondary routes in this context. Unless a road is under the speed limit of 60 km/h one cannot obtain planning permission. Where there are existing laneways and roadways people should be able to access the national primary or secondary roads. It is creating no extra traffic. The people I talk about are coming in and out of those laneways and roads every day of the week. They only want to live at home, work at home and live near their family and friends.

There is a need for planning reform. We need to give young people the opportunity to build their own home on their own land. At the moment it is like climbing a mountain with no path. It is frustrating, it is discouraging and it is impossible for young people today.

See this speech in context