Vol. 566 No. 4
143 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if the Government is considering the possibility of stronger powers to compulsorily acquire development land for infrastructure and housing projects; if it is envisaged that a constitutional amendment will be required to facilitate this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12959/03]
This Government has indicated its intention to address the issue of the cost of land required for development, including its impact on the affordability of housing. In that context the Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution has been asked by the Taoiseach to assess the possibility of placing a cap on the value of development land. In doing so the committee will have to consider the constitutional and practical issues involved. The Government will give due consideration to any recommendations made by that committee, including any recommendations for change to the Constitution. As part of the overall examination of land costs for housing and other major infrastructure, my Department is looking at identifying other necessary measures aimed at moderating land costs for housing and other essential public infrastructure.
