Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)

As the Minister of State knows, as does the Minister, housing is the most pressing challenge facing the State today and will define the Government's success. While the previous Government met its targets under the Housing for All policy, rising demand means we are now acting swiftly to further increase supply and improve affordability. The public, especially younger generations, expect urgency, but the Government must ensure solutions are effective and do not create unintended consequences. Tough decisions are being made by the Minister of State and the Minister and will continue to be made. The rationale for those decisions must be communicated to the public to build confidence and expose the paucity of the Opposition's solutions.

Planning is a major frustration, especially in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, where slow processes and inconsistent decisions hinder development. The planning Bill 2024 and the planning framework of 2025 allow local authorities to rezone where there is critical need. Ministerial leadership is needed to maintain that momentum. We must insist on a proactive planning culture in our local authorities.

Private investment is vital. A total of €6 billion to €7 billion is committed by the Government this year but it cannot carry the entire estimated investment requirement of €20 billion, especially in apartment construction. Private equity is critical.

Striking the right balance between security of tenure, rent controls and supply is critical. The rent pressure zone reforms align with the Housing Commission's recommendations. The Opposition has offered no credible and coherent solutions. Opposition Deputies are excellent at enunciating the problems but they do not provide solutions. Across my constituency of Roscommon-Galway, limited serviced sites and poor planning have stalled housing supply in places like Ballinasloe, Boyle, Castlerea and Roscommon. Rent and private housing options have dwindled, leading to a demographic shift as young people remain longer at home or leave the country. In my town, Ballygar, a decade passed without the provision of any new homes. Now, a new wastewater treatment plant has gone to tender, providing hope. This is the type of infrastructural development that must be expedited, as I know the Minister of State and Minister recognise.

We must use all available technologies to ensure delivery. Offsite or modular construction is vital. I have been assured production can be scaled up once there are predictable supply lines from the State. I welcome the modern methods of construction action plan published by the Minister, Deputy Lawless, in the past few days. It provides a roadmap to a sustainable industry that will help us to meet our targets.

Balanced regional development is essential. In Roscommon-Galway, thriving communities are ready to grow but the lack of affordable housing stands in the way. The status quo cannot hold. This crisis affects families, the economy and essential services as workers such as teachers, gardaí and nurses struggle to afford homes. I know the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Browne, understand that. We must continue to deliver sustainable solutions. Today's announcements form part of a succession of measures they will take to deliver on the commitments in the programme for Government.

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