Sir, – It is regrettable that during leaders' questions in the Dáil ("Kenny rules out market intervention to curb rental costs", October 14th) , the Taoiseach laid the blame for Dublin's housing shortage on planning and housing standards by saying, "The problem is the planning regulations and the planning permission process".
The planning process can be streamlined in places and there are ongoing proposals to ensure the system remains fit for purpose. However, to blame the planning process for more structural constraints is not helpful. For example, planning consent for the development of local authority accommodation can be secured within eight weeks if there is sufficient political and public buy-in.
Funding and infrastructure are where the most significant issues in supply exist. We cannot continue to look for action on housing without evidence. More effective forecasting of housing supply and the monitoring of delivery of housing are also required. – Yours, etc,
MARY HUGHES,
President,
Irish Planning Institute,
Great Strand Street,
Dublin 1.