Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is for each local authority to assess what it wants to do regarding housing and zoning. Obviously, any change in zoning requires a variation. The Department's remit on that is with the OPR. The OPR assesses every variation that is made in the State to see if it meets best practice that is currently underpinned in the planning and development Acts. If it does, there is good reason for it. If not, the OPR will raise questions with the members. They have a defined opportunity under the planning and development Acts to revert to the OPR and give evidence for the case in favour of making a variation. That is the process to be followed.

It is important to focus on delivering high-quality housing and have zoned land in the right locations. We should fight for that as much as possible. Obviously, as Minister of State, I cannot comment on the land that is zoned or should be zoned in Mayo. I can comment on the broader policy. I am always conscious of the argument that there are certain restrictions and that certain local authorities need to dezone land. That argument needs to be premised on where we are and how we are fulfilling the obligations on us to deliver housing on the lands that are currently zoned. We need to look at both sides of the debate.