Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I welcome this timely Bill, which has some very reasonable measures, and the clear action that has been taken by this Government to protect planning permissions currently in the system as we strive to increase the number of houses delivered in this country. From my point of view, as a younger Member of the House, it is an absolute priority for me to see the number of houses being delivered by this Government increasing, especially across north Tipperary and north-west Kilkenny, which I represent, but also nationally, where they are so desperately needed for young people looking to get a start in life. For working families who are paying very high rents, and struggling to find somewhere to rent or buy at an affordable rate, increasing supply is essential. To give the young, talented educated people abroad at present a reason to come home, increasing supply and the number of houses we are building in this country are also essential.

The House needs to take a long hard look at itself and the number of politicians who object to strategic infrastructure and housing developments at a time when we desperately need them, and whether these objections to energy, housing or wastewater infrastructure, or across the board, are appropriate. We need to ask ourselves whether it is the place of politicians to object within the planning system. I do not believe it is. We have seen some members of the public and Members of the House who attempt to act skilfully to frustrate the planning system to prevent developments that we so desperately need from going ahead. This Bill will help to ensure those developments are not lost while the legal process continues.

I will also focus on other planning issues while the Minister of State is before me. Modular or log cabin-style housing is an area he has taken an interest in and one I have brought to the attention of the House on numerous occasions. I hope the next time a planning Bill is before the House it will be on that exact issue. We are talking about the exemption in respect of backyard developments, but we should go beyond that. I have said it so many times here and I will say it again that we should allow planning permission for those log-cabin or modular-style homes, using modern methods of construction, to be built throughout the country. It is so frustrating, as a young person, to see the potential that is there, particularly in rural areas, where planning would be possible. If utilities, wastewater infrastructure, whether it is a sewerage system or connection to the mains, electricity and water are available, and appropriate planning is possible, those houses should be allowed. They use a new method of construction, at least in this country although not everywhere else, but it is a modern, possible and much more affordable method. I know of so many laneways in north Tipperary and north-west Kilkenny I canvassed where such houses are already. I worry for those families, especially younger families.

I am dealing with a case, without going into details, where for a young mother with two children, it is the only affordable home she could have built. She put it up and is now under pressure, but it is a perfect family home. The next time a planning Bill is before the House, I hope it will focus on that issue. I will continue to call for that. I ask the Minister of State to continue to work on that and prioritise it. It is not the solution to the housing crisis but it has the potential to be part of it, particularly, although not exclusively, for younger people.

I welcome the Bill. I hope it will be progressed as quickly as possible. It is a real and meaningful measure that will result in the protection both of planning permissions and thousands of houses that can be built. I thank the Minister of State for his work on it to date.

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