Sinn Féin short-changing aspiring homeowners by objecting to almost 800 Dublin homes this year – Doherty

Sinn Féin are short-changing prospective homeowners as their TDs and councillors have objected to almost 800 homes across Dublin this year, according to a Fine Gael Senator.

Regina Doherty said the Opposition Party are continuing in their systematic objection to the development of homes, while misleading the public by insisting they would dramatically boost housing supply if in power.

Since 2018, Sinn Féin politicians have objected to 12,424 homes across Dublin.

Senator Doherty said: “Sinn Féin consistently say they would exceed the Government’s Housing For All targets to build all types of homes, yet they have failed to produce a credible plan outlining how they would do just that.

“Since March of this year, the party’s representatives have expressed concerns about 757 homes that are so badly needed across the four local authority areas in Dublin. They are against housing in the city which needs it most. As opposed to change, Sinn Féin will short-change those who want to secure or buy their own home.

“An analysis of planning applications across Dublin reveals Sinn Féin representatives, including TDs and councillors, had objections or expressed concern about 6,478 homes from 2020 to 2023.

“A previous Fine Gael report of Sinn Féin’s voting record on housing developments in South Dublin, Dublin City and Fingal County Councils from 2018 to 2021 shows the party’s councillors objected to almost 6,000 homes across Dublin[1].

“All in all, the party has objected to over 12,424, homes in Dublin, which range from apartments, suites, dwellings, senior living build-to-rent and build-to-rent.

“The party’s housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó’Broin, made an observation regarding 294 dwellings in Cappagh, Dublin 22, which was subsequently granted planning permission by Dublin City Council.

“Deputy Ó’Broin objected on the grounds of proposed road access and the creation of a high volume of traffic and the height of some duplex units in the development[2].

“Dublin South Central Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh also objected to the proposed development of 208 social and affordable housing units on a derelict site in his own constituency in the Kimmage Road West area of Terenure.

“The simple fact is while Sinn Féin jump up and down in public and in the Dáil chamber on the apparent lack of progress on housing supply, their party councillors and TDs are stalling the delivery of homes.

“They can bury their heads in the sand, but they can’t argue with facts that demonstrate we are making progress. In the past 12 months we’ve seen 30,000 new homes being built, more than 500 first-time buyers a week now drawing down their mortgage, this is at a level not seen in 16 years.

“Sinn Féin want to take away the first-time buyer’s grant and the First Home Scheme, potential homeowners would be worse off to the tune of €30,000 of supports If Sinn Fein came into Government,” Senator Doherty said.

[1] SinnFein_HousingDoc.pdf (finegael.ie)

[2] ViewDocument (southdublin.ie)