Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the context of the amendment, I understand and agree with the remarks of my colleagues. I do not envisage any of the lands in question being developed. I am thinking of Regional Park Ballincollig and Fitzgerald's Park in Cork. I have a question arising from the amendment about old, disused Garda barracks and Army buildings. Some retired members of our Defence Forces need housing. How can we use those types of dwellings to assist in the provision of housing for these men, in particular, who have served our State?

I have a question about the county and city development plans. We have all seen the utilisation of public space in a better way. Cork has 17 streets pedestrianised. We need more green spaces and public parks rather than fewer. Like Senator Fitzpatrick, I do not think that any of us are seeking a debate about using national parks for the development of housing but some buildings can be used to assist in the provision of housing. That should be considered but nobody from our side of the House has any notion of developing those places. As Senator Casey said, we have the buffer of the city and county development plans at any rate.