Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

Will the Deputy Leader arrange for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House? I requested on a number of previous occasions that the Minister might discuss with us matters such as the proposed new building regulations, planning guidelines and zoning. It is estimated that the population will increase to 4.9 million or 5 million by 2041.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and his Department are taking a hands-on approach to the affairs of local authorities regarding the adoption of county development plans where zoning is taking place. In respect of a number of provincial towns, some of which are classed as hub towns, the Minister is asking local authorities to reduce the level of zoning proposed. In some instances, this is unbelievable because in many cases the necessary services — water, sewerage, waste water and gas — are available. Such services are funded by taxpayers and ratepayers. Where the relevant services are in place, land should be zoned. If we reduce the amount of land available for zoning, we will merely increase the cost relating to land that is zoned. I ask that the Minister come to the House at an early date to discuss these issues.