Fine Gael TD for Limerick Patrick O’Donovan has encouraged the Government to prioritise the construction industry as part of the programme for recovery. The Limerick TD was speaking in the Dáil on a debate around the issue of housing.
Patrick O’Donovan told Minister of State Jan O’Sullivan that while the construction industry dominated the economy during the economic boom, it was clear to him that the industry needed to be supported now by Government because the number of houses being constructed nationally on an annual basis was now too low to meet demand. He told the Dáil that changes in the planning process were needed to ensure that the Department of the Environment put time limits on the time being taken by An Bord Pleannala in relation to appeals.
Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister to consider different ways of delivering much needed local authority houses. He said that the State should consider the possibility of public private partnerships with the Credit Union movement nationally and with the housing agencies which are already set up. While he welcomed the Department’s announcement of the construction of new local authority houses he said that more needs to be done in the area and encouraged the Department to examine in greater detail the properties and lands owned by the State.
Patrick O’Donovan also welcomed the announcement by Minister O’Sullivan to provide money to the issue of unfinished housing estates which he said had left problems for residents in several communities in Co. Limerick. He asked that the Department would look at new ways of delivering essential repairs to the homes of elderly and disabled people. This he said would be an important labour activation measure and would also be of huge importance to the people waiting. Jan O’Sullivan said that the suggestions which Patrick O’Donovan made would be considered by the Department.