Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and I also welcome the ladies, who are from mighty hurling country in Thurles.

I first wish to comment on and welcome the housing announcement yesterday by the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and the Government. This represents a €1 billion increase in funding to build more social, affordable and sustainable homes and to enable more people to own their own home. There is a significant reduction in the levy charges of €12,000, an increase in the vacant homes and derelict home grants, as well as an increase in funding for affordable homes.

Moving on from that topic, I also raise an issue this morning that is relevant to my home city of Galway. Recent decisions have been made by An Bord Pleanála in respect of a number of housing developments across the city of Galway and as far out as to Oranmore have been refused. This is an issue which needs to be raised.

The reasoning given by the board, for example on the application on the Headford Road, is that this development will be too car-dependent. The proposed development is located an absolute maximum 15-minute walk from the city. This reasoning is bizarre and has been widely condemned by both officials and relevant councillors in Galway city. We all recognise the need for an independent agency to oversee planning but when it turns down developments for such baffling reasons, it certainly raises questions with people across the city who are scratching their heads. We are all aware in this House that we require more housing and turning down plans to build homes because of a brief five-minute cycle that might have to be made for such a development just does not add up.

I raise this issue because there was surprise and disappointment across the city. Of late, even the city manager has also raised this issue and one cannot fathom it. We are seeing progress being made on housing. The building of a record number of homes has started in the first quarter, as the Cathaoirleach and Deputy Leader will be aware, but we cannot have that progress being consistently undermined by the decisions of the board.

I ask the Deputy Leader to raise the issue with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and that he be invited into the House in order that we can debate the matter. I am sure that this is an issue that is not unique to Galway and other Members may wish to raise similar decisions in their own counties.