Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his detailed reply. It is worth putting on the record the work that has already taken place and the progress being made.There are a couple of words that really ring an alarm bell for me, which are, "Dublin City Council advises that this project is part of a long-term strategy." We cannot wait for long-term strategies in Dublin city anymore. We just cannot wait for the council's long-term strategies. The council really needs to realise more ambition in its delivery when it comes to these projects.

The Minister of State's Department has provided very significant funds and support to Dublin City Council, which he has listed, not just for this project on Dorset Street but for eight other projects. Two of them are in my constituency, namely, Matt Talbot Court and Constitution Hill. The council does not have a director of services for housing and it has an acting CEO. I urge the Minister of State, as the official with responsibility for local government, to please meet with us and with Dublin City Council. Let us review what it will need to accelerate the delivery of these desperately needed homes in the city.