1920. Deputy Kate O'Connell asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the land development agency legislation; when it is planned for the agency to proceed to acquiring brownfield sites within the M50 for residential development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34822/19]

The General Scheme of the Bill to establish the Land Development Agency (LDA) on a primary legislative basis was approved by Government and has now been published. It has been referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny which is set to begin in the coming weeks. It is intended that the LDA Bill will be published and brought before the Oireachtas later this year.

The LDA has not been given a specific mandate to acquire brownfield sites within Dublin’s M50 area. However, the LDA can do so if it identifies strategic opportunities within the area where it could unlock development, particularly where it would not otherwise happen without its intervention.

The LDA is also reviewing lands in State ownership and is engaging with the relevant local authorities in respect of the regeneration of brownfield areas in Dublin and other cities on an ongoing basis.