John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy. I hear the point he is raising. There is a statutory process in terms of varying county development plans. It is a reserved function of members. We will be issuing clear direction on a local authority-by-local authority basis in terms of the expectations and quantum of zoned land that will be required. There will be headroom. We are working on finalising the methodology around that at present within the Department. It is imperative that we have sufficient quantum of zoned land within our areas to be able to bring forward housing development. The reason we are taking the approach we are taking is that we cannot afford to wait. There will be that direction. The actual varying of the development plan, as the Deputy knows, having been a councillor for a considerable period like myself, is a reserved function of members.

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