Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately, not all have taken on the responsibilities and roles they should have played. I am sorry that did not happen because I would have liked to see all parties in this State work together for the best outcome for the Thirty-two Counties, and the best outcome for the UK and for Europe, but that has not happened.

I will briefly turn to one item that is within our control, namely, the housing crisis. In Ringsend there is a site called Poolbeg West, which has the potential to provide 3,500 units but it has been delayed over and over again. Negotiations remain to be concluded on the purchase of 900 units for social and affordable housing and, unfortunately, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has not played its part. There is no excuse for the Department not to play its part in the middle of a housing crisis. This is not a planning matter, it is a question of negotiations on the number of units to be purchased. That is delaying a decision of An Bord Pleanála. There is a written agreement for the strategic development zone, SDZ, in Dublin City Council and there is a commercial agreement in regard to it. When he was Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, the Tánaiste, Deputy Coveney, called it a gentlemen's agreement. He promised us we would see cranes and JCBs on the site in 2017 but there has not been any progress. It is a crying shame and a resolution is urgently needed. Could the Leader arrange that the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, would attend and explain the lack of movement in the provision of 3,500 units? We hear over and over that there is a supply issue but here is an opportunity to create supply. I will respect the Chair and finish on this point, which unfortunately the Minister did not do yesterday.