Local authorities must be ambitious in identifying sites for affordable homes – Doherty

There is a need for local authorities to show greater ambition in identifying vacant sites for the construction of purpose-built Affordable Purchase homes, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Regina Doherty said: “We want to make sure people on modest incomes are able to buy a new home. That’s why this Government has enlisted the help of local authorities, who are now covering a reduction in the price of homes for those looking to buy.

“There is great work being done on this front in my own local authority area of Fingal. For example, that includes 39 affordable homes as part of a development in Dun Emer, Lusk, as well as 52 affordable homes on the way at an impressive development in Hayestown, Rush. For eligible applicants in Rush, prices start at €228,000 for a two-bedroom mid-terrace house. It’s positive and it’s progress, but we need more of it.

“The county town of Fingal – Swords – has a population of 45,797, according to the latest Census results. That number continues to grow as new housing estates pop up across the town; however, the average price of a new home in Swords stands at €460,000. It’s out of reach for too many people, and those prices are not getting any lower.

“Yet, despite all of that, there is not a single Affordable Housing Development, either under construction or proposed, anywhere in Swords. Given the amount of vacant sites across the town – particularly on its north-western fringes – this is hard to fathom.

“One of those vacant sites, which is already zoned for residential development, is on the Rathbeale Road, where there is potential to build 1,000 new homes on 62 acres of land. The site is serviced by local schools, current and future major bus routes, and recreational facilities. It is perfect for the construction of affordable homes.

“I’m asking Fingal County Council to buy that site, and other sites across North County Dublin, to facilitate new homes for people to buy at affordable prices. Fine Gael is the party of home-ownership and we will make no apologies for that”, concluded Senator Doherty.

ENDS