[ad_1]
The Land Development Agency (LDA) was eager to release news of the opening of regional offices ahead of expected criticism of a rural TD, according to internal records.
The files detail how the LDA wanted to announce it was moving to Limerick and Cork amid claims from a Dil member that they had an anti-rural stance.
Limerick TD Richard ODonoghue had criticized the agency saying it was too focused on urban areas and did nothing for small towns and villages.
Internal emails detail how the LDA sought to move the ad forward with an email from its PR advisor saying: Sorry, I didn’t realize the timeline. A reason for the rush? I’ll get you something.
Reply
A response from a member of the management team said: Apparently Richard ODonoghue TD is going to say something about LDA tomorrow.
In response, their PR advisor directed them to an article online: Hes [ODonoghue] already had his cut.
The next day, the agency’s public relations adviser said he still wasn’t crazy rushing to the news from the regional offices, but understood why it might be necessary.
The LDA was also urged to be wary of any excessive claims during the announcement in early March, according to documents published under FOI.
The emails also reveal how then agency chairman John Moran sought clarity and movement late last year by opening an office in Limerick.
The Land Development Agency was temporarily using the space provided by the Limerick local authority, but Mr Moran said that was not a long-term solution.
In an email, he said: I will be less comfortable working from here on LDA matters because they are too confidential.
Mr Moran said the board increasingly expected to have physical offices in regional locations and suggested that a property in Limerick seemed appropriate.
An email said: I had heard that the presence of an apartment in the basement was considered negative, but I did not see why.
Indeed, it could even open the possibility of taking over this lease for a certain time if the tenant leaves for a company apartment (and an additional overflow space).
At the beginning of March, the LDA officially announced that it would open offices in Cork and Limerick with other possible regional offices as developments are underway.
Project
A statement from the LDA said: Making better use of state land to improve housing supply is a national project, so it is appropriate that we extend our office footprint beyond Dublin.
LDA’s plans for regional offices continue and, subject to the constraints of public health measures, we hope to open offices in Cork and Limerick this year.
Independent TD Richard ODonoghue said he maintained his criticism of the focus of agencies on urban areas: the LDA is there to look after cities with 30,000 inhabitants and more. And when it comes to Limerick, he’ll only take care of the city.
I am elected in the county and unless they reduce that number of 30,000 to a much lower level, it will not have an impact in the county.
It’s all based on the city’s investment, and as the county representative I welcome homes that come to Limerick, but I want the focus to be on the city and the county.
[ad_2]
picture credit