Results 421-440 of 629 for speaker:Séamus McGrath

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: I will read the pledge. In accordance with Standing Orders, I wish to make the following declaration: I do solemnly declare that I will duly and faithfully and to the best of my knowledge and ability execute the office of Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage without fear or favour, apply the rules as laid down by the House in an impartial and fair...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: Very quickly please, Senator.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: Do we have five minutes in the second round?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: I ask the witnesses to be brief. Dr. Cassidy made reference to how equity had fallen off significantly in recent times. First, where does Ireland sit in terms of our public funding of housing? The ESRI made a statement on this in the past. Relatively speaking, we are investing €7 billion in housing. Where does that put Ireland as a country in terms of public investment? I wish to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: Dr. Kelly referred to downward pressures in respect of housing supply. Dr. Kelly's prediction for this year was 35,000 units but he felt they were downward pressures. What are the key downward pressures and what can we do to address them?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: How much of a factor do the witnesses think viability is? Developers argue much construction is not viable for them and that many development types, particularly apartments, are not viable.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: The key issue in that regard is that the capital is tied up for longer before the developer can start selling units. This leads to my next question about the cost of finance for developers. What is it typically in Ireland right now? I know it depends on bank lenders and others. If I run a development company and am looking for finance, what is the average rate at present?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: Developers say it can be anything between 7% and 10%. Is that a ballpark reasonable estimate?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: It is a high cost of borrowing. Going back to apartments, if the developer's money is going to be tied up for longer, it is a factor. Is there any way to drive that cost down?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: I have question for the ESRI about labour constraints. If we want to get to the level of output we need, labour will become an increasing factor. What does the ESRI recommend to increase the labour supply for construction? Obviously there are apprenticeships and so on. Are there short-term measures?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: It is about intensification.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage: Challenges Relating to the Delivery of Housing: Discussion (Resumed) (27 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: Such as off-site construction.

Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community: Business of Joint Committee (22 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: I join the other members in congratulating Deputy Lawlor on taking up the position of Cathaoirleach. I am glad to be a member of this committee. I was, like other members, previously a member of a local authority committee so I have some experience in that respect. The one takeaway I have from that is the importance of having good engagement with the Traveller community. We are not...

Public Accounts Committee: National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and Children's Health Ireland: Discussion (22 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: I thank the witnesses for attending. Returning to the children’s hospital and the big picture items, the Government approved in February 2024 the budget of €1.88 billion. Is it fair to say that budget will not be sufficient to complete the hospital?

Public Accounts Committee: National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and Children's Health Ireland: Discussion (22 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: Is that a high degree of confidence?

Public Accounts Committee: National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and Children's Health Ireland: Discussion (22 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: The opening statement referenced the original contract value, which was of the order of €910 million.

Public Accounts Committee: National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and Children's Health Ireland: Discussion (22 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: It is a doubling of that original contract value.

Public Accounts Committee: National Paediatric Hospital Development Board and Children's Health Ireland: Discussion (22 May 2025)

Séamus McGrath: Mr. Gunning is making a distinction between the contract with the contractor and additional items.