Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I would also like to hear the Minister of State's definition of "substantially commenced".

In regard to the automatic granting of an extension to planning permission, since some permissions have been given, the catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, studies have been published. Members have not been told where the units are located. Are some on a flood plain and, if so, how many? Would it potentially be better that such units not be finished? Is it correct to grant extensions to planning permissions? The Bill proposes an automatic extension. Has due diligence been carried out in regard to what planning permissions are to be given extensions? It is possible that houses will be completed only to be flooded in two years' time. However, Members do not know those details. The Minister of State is asking us to buy a pig in a poke. A list of sites should have been published in order for the impact to be assessed, along with a consideration of how planning and development has changed in the relevant area. No Member wants to delay the building of a unit because every unit built means another family can be housed. However, there is a responsibility to ensure we are not buying a pig in a poke. That assurance has not been given by the Minister of State. He has not told Members where those developments are located. Can he tell me that none of these developments are on a flood plain or within 30 feet of a river that has a history of flooding? I do not hold all planners in the high regard that some do. I have met some very good planners in local authorities but also some horrendous planners who have given dodgy planning permissions. I am aware of people in Meath whose houses in a rezoned area have been flooded on a regular basis. Can the Minister of State give Members some comfort on the details of the legislation?

I also ask him to respond in regard to the delay in the provision of affordable units in Dublin due to a lack of necessary legislation.