'State agencies hindering country's housing plans'

Construction Industry Federation's Southern Construct  also heard serious concerns about the long-term sustainability of the State's role in funding residential development

Kieran O'Donovan, managing surveyor, Murnane & O'Shea; Patsy Supple, chair, Cork branch, Construction Industry Federation (CIF); Brian Geaney, assistant CEO, Cork City Council; and Conor O'Connell, director of housing and planning, CIF; at the CIF Southern Construct Summit at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, chaired by broadcaster Claire Brock. Picture: Maura Hickey

Senior construction industry figures have sharply criticised State bodies for protecting their infrastructure from further housing development at the same time local councils are being urged to rezone more land for new homes.

The Construction Industry Federation's (CIF) Southern Construct also heard from former minister Simon Coveney, who said State bodies should not be making appeals to An Coimisiún Pleanála, which can add months to important housing developments.