Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)

The Minister for housing issued a directive to local authorities to rezone land. However, there is an opportunity for developers to abuse this. They could buy land that is not currently zoned for housing and sit on it to wait for a change in zoning. The Coldcut site, which is owned by Dublin Bus members, is up for sale. This site is over 10 ha. It straddles north Clondalkin and Palmerstown. Many local soccer clubs use this facility. The all-weather pitches are always extremely busy. I attended a public meeting this week with Collinstown football team, Palmerstown Football Club, North Clondalkin Running Club and Clondalkin autism parents. They all want to see these lands remain as an amenity for the people of north Clondalkin and Palmerstown. There will be a public protest on Sunday morning. I am aware that South Dublin County Council is very interested in this site but it could be outbid by a private developer. Is there anything in the directive to local authorities to rezone land that could prevent developers from land hoarding and sitting on land, givne once this amenity is gone, it is gone forever?

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