Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a concern in respect of housing. Seven projects were submitted by Cork City Council to the Department for approval. Planning was obtained and an estimate was prepared regarding the cost of the projects. The tendering process, however, has shown that the projects are proving more expensive than the estimates originally indicated. I understand that the city council submitted the final proposals to the Department in early September. I am concerned that, three months on, they have not received the go-ahead from the Department. I ask the Leader to raise this matter with the Minister and that the Minister would also come to the House at the earliest possible date to discuss this issue.While he probably is not due to appear before Christmas, issues like this must be dealt with to make sure there are not delays in housing projects. Quite a number of houses are involved as seven projects require this sign-off by the Department. A three-month delay is a little too long, especially on this important issue.

The change in the city and county boundary in Cork was raised. I come from the county, was a member of the city council and had the privilege of being the Lord Mayor of Cork. I believe there is a need for change as the land available for the development of new housing within the city is inadequate. It also is important to note that a huge number of ratepayers who pay rates in the city are not living in the city. Extending the city boundary will bring a huge number of them into the decision-making process concerning the running of the city, and that is a very important issue. While it is hard to come to a conclusion about where the best boundary should be, I agree with my colleague, Senator Lombard, that a lot of hard work has been done by the council staff and councillors on both sides to reach a compromise. We should now progress and make the final decision on this in order that we have a clear plan ahead for the development of the city, the county and the entire region.