Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that changes need to be made to put city centre land, and, indeed, zoned and serviced land in other towns and cities throughout the State, to better use. I very much welcome the reference by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, in his budget speech to zoned and serviced land. In fact, following that, he has launched a public consultation on the potential of taxation measures to encourage the development of zoned and serviced land. In that regard, interested parties are invited to submit their views on the potential of taxation. The measure is designed to encourage the development of land. People should be aware that the consultation will run for 12 weeks, from 16 February until 8 May, this year. We face much dereliction all over the place. In the interests of many sectors, particularly housing within cities, it needs to happen.

There was mention of the Living City initiative. Those Senators who are from Dublin would know more about that than I would. If we are to provide for renewal and regeneration, a scheme, - similar to the wonderful scheme introduced by a previous Fianna Fáil-Labour Party Government, which enjoyed cross-party support - with proper rationale and for a limited period, and not left open-ended, would be put to proper use by those who own zoned and serviced land. The sooner that is tackled, the better. Primarily, I want to advertise the fact that there is a public consultation period and that interested parties should avail of it. Hopefully, as a result of it, a good scheme will evolve.