James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply and for his genuine and committed approach to the housing situation we find ourselves in. I certainly do not wish to promote a free for all. We do not want ribbon development all over Fingal or the rest of the country with the demand for services to follow, and we do not want to see scenic areas ruined. There is, however, a big problem which has created a lot of anxiety among people in my area who have approached me because they are struggling to get permissions. We all know how difficult it is to get finance and if there is a question over the validity of the ongoing permission, the banks will not be too keen to lend. I welcome the Minister's response and beseech him to ensure that the council authorities engage with the councillors. This issue has exercised them, particularly the councillors in Fingal, Councillor O'Leary and others.