Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2019
41. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on whether the board membership of the Land Development Agency will be able to provide sufficient social and affordable public housing on public lands to deal with the current crisis; his plans to appoint housing rights advocates or NGO activists to the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45148/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn enactment of the primary legislation, a permanent board and Chairperson for the Land Development Agency (LDA) will be appointed in accordance with the Guidelines on the Appointment to State Boards. The exact make up of the Board will be determined after an open recruitment process, having regard to the mix of skills required for the appropriate governance of the LDA.
For the intervening period, I have appointed an interim Board to direct the Land Development Agency. The composition of the Board is drawn from the private and public sector and provides a good mix of skills and expertise.
The Board is collectively responsible for leading and directing the State body’s activities. Accordingly, the Board oversees the running of the LDA, which includes its obligation to deliver significant affordable and social housing on public lands.
The LDA will also work closely with local authorities and will use its professional expertise to assist them with their delivery of social and affordable housing on relevant sites.
