Results 21-40 of 905 for speaker:Francis Noel Duffy

Written Answers — Department of Justice and Equality: Housing Policy (9 Apr 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: 906. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of the review of the Multi Unit Development Act 2011; and whether he has considered introducing an interim regulator on a non-statutory basis for owner management companies to ensure appropriate governance across this sector for companies to manage apartment defects, remediation works and ongoing maintenance...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (27 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: The division bell did not ring properly, Chairman.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (27 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: No. The bell stopped ringing and you called the vote. There is normally a four-minute wait when the bell stops. I waited for the bell to stop before coming down. I would have made it if-----

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (27 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: I will withdraw amendment No. 614 with the right to reintroduce it on Report Stage.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill: Committee Stage (Resumed) (27 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: Amendments Nos. 633 and 692 to 694, inclusive, are related and may be taken together.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (26 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: In section 82(3)(b)(iv), in the context of parks – I am not trying to go against the Deputy – do I have a beneficial interest in a park? Technically I own it, do I not?

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: I move amendment No. 340: In page 101, line 28, after “rural” to insert “and urban”.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: We have one of the lowest, as far as I am aware, housing occupancy levels in Europe. To add this would assist in the types of units that are being built and the strategy for it. I would like to hear the response so I can comment on it.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: The first three words of section 44(1)(a) are "distributes planned population". Who has planned the population? Where is that coming from? I would like the Minister of State to answer the question of who will plan the population. It is very strange language to state that somebody has planned the population and we will work off that basis. It does not make any sense at all, language wise....

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: That is not planned. You do not plan a population. In some countries you might, but I do not think we do.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: The Minister of State should consider that instead of the section stating, "distributes planned population", as we do not do that, it should read, "distributes demographic projections" because that is what we will be doing. He should think about maybe changing the language in the section, which would sort out the issue.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: Deputy Ó Cathasaigh had an amendment on population effects. I can accept section 219(5)(h), if that wording is added. If I am a planner reading this, I am obliged. I "shall be materially consistent". It is on the planners to make sure they do their job properly.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: I move amendment No. 334: In page 101, line 13, after “facilitate” to insert “regeneration and”.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: On amendment No. 414, the Minister of State is saying this is vague, but it is vague not to refer to regulations or law. I looked into this, and the nature restoration law is the law to which the Bill would refer-----

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: It is amendment No. 414. That has only been implemented since 27 February. One would think the Bill would refer to that law. I have to accept what the Minister of State is saying, but he is saying it is vague and what is there is vague. I think that is superseded by the law itself.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: Fair enough. Okay, I appreciate that. Deputy O'Callaghan spoke to amendment No. 412 regarding hedgerows. I have done work in that area, as have the Cathaoirleach and other members of our party. There is probably more biodiversity in a hedgerow than there is in any tree or copse of trees. There are ancient hedgerows in this country. I know there are issues with planning and, when...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: I get it, yes.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: I know, yes.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: I thank the Minister of State.

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Bill 2023: Committee Stage (Resumed) (21 Mar 2024)

Francis Noel Duffy: I move amendment No. 414: In page 108, line 29, after “2030” to insert “, related directives and regulations,”.