Pat Casey (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As there is a lack of infrastructure where we can build homes and local authorities, in dezoning land we have increased land prices overnight. That will haunt us down the road unless this serious issue is addressed. All we are asking is that we build homes where we have tier 1 infrastructure, including water, sewerage and public transport, but we are told "No". Three towns in my county have already exceeded their 2031 targets and are being told they cannot build any more homes, even though all the infrastructure is in place. We are in the midst of a housing crisis.

I accept the core principles of the national planning framework but those principles are not backed up by being aligned with infrastructure, nor are they backed up by incentives or deterrents. Let us call a spade a spade and say that the vacant site levy is not fit for purpose because there are too many get-out clauses. If the principles, infrastructure, deterrents and incentives were singing in harmony, we would have proper and sustainable development. Enforcing the national planning framework on counties without the necessary infrastructure is adding to this housing crisis.