Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to pay tribute to members of the emergency services for their work during the brief storm yesterday and, of course, pass on my condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives.

We have heard much talk in the media and elsewhere about the housing crisis and the challenges facing this country when it comes to dealing with people who find themselves without a home, as well as the thousands in middle Ireland who cannot afford to buy a home in Dublin. We are now in the situation where a nurse and a teacher would not be in a position to buy a house in certain parts of the city, thus returning us to an era we neither want nor welcome. The solution is to build houses, and plenty of them.

There are also many other quirks, difficulties and challenges.The absolute restriction placed on listed buildings is one of them. It is right that we should respect our tradition, our heritage and our culture. At the same time, however, we must allow property owners to get permission to build, extend and renovate buildings regardless of whether they are listed. What is the point in having a listed building that is empty and where nothing is happening but where the owner of the building cannot afford to have something happen? The owner cannot do so because the requirements, difficulties and challenges make it so expensive to comply with the various conservation officers in local authorities. We need to have a conversation about easing the restrictions on bringing into use derelict listed buildings. It will not solve the housing crisis but it will be a part of dealing with it.