Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
47. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to discuss enacting compulsory purchase orders to recover property from investment funds which may be land-banking sites which have the potential for development with the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11183/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the first instance, I wish to clarify I have no powers in relation to the initiation of Compulsory Purchase Orders, this being the responsibility of the relevant local authorities. However, I believe that the key issue raised by the Deputy’s Question relates to how we find ways to address current housing development and supply issues. I can assure the Deputy that my Department is progressing a range of key actions aimed at addressing these very issues. It is clear that over the longer term we need a functioning housing supply system and availability and viability of large ready to go housing development sites, along with house builders capable of supplying, is a key part of that system.
By mid-summer I intend to finalise an “Action Plan for Housing” which will look at all options to accelerate delivery of supply and ensure that we are building the right mix of housing types in the right locations and for the various categories of people that need housing, particularly in city centre areas, avoiding cities and towns expanding exponentially physically and creating a range of wider infrastructural challenges, such as in the schools and transport areas. The preparation of the Plan will take account of the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to review the CPO powers available to local authorities in order to fast-track the opening up of land.
