John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)

This has to be a priority for everyone. It is not just for us in here but for every local authority member and executive. We will be very clear in that.

The Minister, Deputy Browne, and I are visiting local authorities. This is a top priority for us and we will ensure what has been agreed by those in this Chamber and in the Seanad is translated as quickly as possible into development plans so that proposals can be brought forward for housing purposes. We will continue to engage with local authorities on a consistent basis in relation to this. They know the expectation is that there will be a varying of development plans. As I said in my initial response, we are working on finalising what that will mean on a local authority-by-local authority basis to bring forward that land for development purposes. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter again.

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