Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
262. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement that has taken place between a development company and his Department and or IPAS on an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27915/22]
View answerThe Government has recently established a dedicated Cabinet Committee, chaired by An Taoiseach, to oversee and coordinate the Ukraine humanitarian response, including accommodation and supports for persons arriving in Ireland from the conflict in Ukraine.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (D/CEDIY) is leading the initial humanitarian response, including providing emergency and longer-term accommodation and related supports.
My Department is supporting this work, focusing on solutions to the longer-term accommodation challenges, and is leading cross-government efforts through a Housing Taskforce established by the Government for this purpose. The Taskforce is examining options under three headings: rapid delivery volumetric accommodation; use of vacant public and private buildings as multi-occupancy accommodation; and measures to stimulate and accelerate construction of new permanent build homes.
The Office of Public Works is leading on the modular or volumetric accommodation solutions.
Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned. As a result, I cannot comment in relation to any particular case. This is a matter for the relevant planning authority.
