Rolling back on approved social housing projects is another example of the government’s constant retrograde steps that are worsening the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne.
Deputy Hearne said:
“It is incredulous that, at a time when it should be doing everything it can to support the building of social housing, the government has withdrawn funding for a number of ready-to-go social housing projects across Dublin, citing costs.
“The Minister for Housing has become a key blockage in solving the housing crisis, along with the illogical, bizarre actions of his government which only serve to perpetuate the problem.
“Up to 68 homes were set to be delivered at the Ready Mix Site on East Wall Road, a total of 93 homes were earmarked for older people on the Shangan Road in Ballymun, and 83 homes were set to be delivered on Collins Avenue in Whitehall.
“These developments have now been put in danger, wasting countless resources and hours of work that should have delivered essential homes to fight against the tide of this crisis.
“In my constituency of Dublin North-West alone, almost 200 social homes have been pulled – but the rot has spread far wider, with similar reports emerging in counties across the country.
“Affordable Housing Bodies have made it clear that the Department of Housing is delaying social projects – at the same time, it’s gutting the tenant-in-situ scheme.
“The Minister for Housing must clarify why he and his government are sabotaging plans and policies that can deliver essential social housing.
Councillor Mary Callaghan, who represents Ballymun-Finglas, said:
“The government has shown how wasteful it has been with massive swathes of public money, but puts ‘costs’ as the reason to deny homes to the most vulnerable in our society.
“Ballymun has been completely left behind when it comes to housing in recent years and has one of the slowest-moving housing lists.
“The Public Private Partnership bundle promised in Shangan, Ballymun, committed to the delivery of almost 100 homes – the build was due to start last year, but the start date was continually put back.
“When constituents contact me looking for appropriate housing, all I can over them is hope – with the cancellation of this PPP, that hope has ran dry.
“I’m calling for an urgent meeting with Dublin City Council and the Department of Housing to address this continuing degradation.”
June 11th, 2025