Averil Power (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome that work is under way to develop a strategy and a consultative forum for residents but the engagement needs to go beyond consultation to real involvement. The Minister of State stated that one of the key objectives of the DDDA was to secure the social and economic regeneration of the area. The area will only be regenerated when the existing community is properly integrated. It cannot be simply a matter of bringing external businesses to the area while allowing them to remain completely separate from the existing community. That is not proper regeneration.

He indicated that it would not be impossible under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to provide for conditions on local employment but that it would not be appropriate. I strongly disagree with that assertion. Local employment is essential. All we will be seeking is a proportion of 10% or 15%. If we are to integrate businesses and create a proper social environment, it is essential to provide local employment. I ask the Minister of State to push his colleagues a bit further on this issue. It worked in Grangegorman and it would ensure that people do not feel that development is being landed into their community without any real involvement by residents. There may be a consultative forum but there is no integration on a day to day basis.