John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)

I thank both Deputies. Increasing housing supply in all parts of the country is critical. The variation process in terms of the county development plans is a very important part of this. That is why such extensive work has been done in the Department to ensure that the housing growth requirements are aligned with the NPF and that they also allow for additional headroom in terms of zoning requirements for local authorities. We want additional land to be brought forward for housing across the country.

On Deputy Timmins's point, the Minister met the CEOs and directors of services for housing and planners very recently. I have met up to now about ten local authorities in my engagements around the country. We are discussing forward planning and delivery of housing units across all of the streams. We will continue to do so as a Government.

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