Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has welcomed the intervention of the AILG and LAMA, the representative bodies for county councillors, in the debate about the Land Development Agency (LDA).

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“I was very pleased to see AILG and LAMA contribute to the ongoing debate on the Land Development Agency Bill at the Housing Committee.

“I was particularly pleased to see detailed, proposed amendments on the Bill tabled by the AILG.

“While it is unfortunate that some members of the Housing Committee tried to prevent these representative bodies from having a public hearing, I am glad now that all members see the value in hearing what they have to say.

“The contributions of these two groups broadly support the view held by Sinn Féin. That is that the LDA will undermine the role of local authorities in the delivery of social and unaffordable homes.

“Sinn Féin is happy to table the AILG amendments along with a substantial number of our own.

“We have long argued that we need an active Land Management Agency and we do not need a centralised state agency to deliver social and affordable homes.

“This role should continue to be done by local authorities, supported by Approved Housing Bodies and Community Housing Trusts.

“We share the very significant concerns that if this LDA bill goes through as is, Local Authorities will be side-lined, with their powers reduced and permanently diminished.”