Failed Sinn Féin bid to block delivery of 1,200 homes in North County Dublin – Doherty

Sinn Féin should hang their heads in shame after voting against the provision of 1,200 homes in North Dublin during tonight’s special meeting of Fingal County Council, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Despite Sinn Féin’s attempts, the vote, approving the transfer of lands at Ballymastone, Donabate to Glenveagh Properties for the delivery of a sustainable mixed tenure residential development of 1,200 homes passed by a vote of 31 to 9.

Speaking after the vote, Senator Regina Doherty said, “For over four years now the council has been working to develop housing on these lands. Following a full public tender process lasting two and a half years and endless negotiations and discussions, the plan to begin work on this significant housing development finally came before the council tonight.

“In line with Sinn Féin’s hypocritical approach across the country, they voted against the delivery of these homes, in favour of some imaginary, fanciful alternative that would have set the whole plan right back to the beginning.

“Sinn Féin preach about the provision of housing to no end, but in North County Dublin tonight they proudly voted against a plan that Fingal County Council say will ‘substantially alleviate the housing crisis in both the short and medium term’.

“I think most people would have serious questions about the type of councillors who would vote against such a proposal.

“This plan will see the construction of 1,200 homes, with 20% going towards social housing and a further 20% towards affordable housing, with guaranteed pricing of between €250,000 – €270,000. That’s close to 500 homes being made available to those most excluded by the current housing market.

“The rest of the development will be made up of 608 two and three bed houses, where the developer has provided in writing to the council an “irrevocable undertaking” they will not be sold to institutional investors. 110 apartments will also be constructed, and the developer has provided the same undertaking that 50% will be offered to an approved housing authority through the cost rental scheme, the rest will then be sold on the private market.

“Now that the overall development agreement has been passed by the council, clarity should be immediately be provided on the €20 million worth of community amenities contained in the plan.

“The council have ensured the inclusion of new community facilities like parks, creches, EV charging points and improved transport links but it is time now that the local community are given sight of these specific proposals, and a chance to have their say on what is most needed in the area. The most important of these will be the Community Sports Hub which I encourage Fingal County Council to pursue and deliver prior to construction taking place on the houses next year.

“The land that the social and affordable homes will be built on will stay in public ownership. The plan has significant local support. It’s a real plan that will see builders on site next year to build homes for over a thousand families. It’s a really good plan and I am glad Sinn Féin were unable to block it.”

Fingal County Councillor Tom O’Leary also said, “I was delighted to vote for 1,200 new homes in Donabate this evening.  238 new affordable houses will be made available at prices from €250,000 for a 2-bed home and €270,000 for a 3-bed home.

These homes are accessible to single people or couples on single incomes or joint incomes of €45,000 to €47,500. There are many people on that level of income in our community who will apply for those affordable houses.

I look forward to construction commencing. It’s time for the talking to stop and time for the diggers to get onsite in Ballymastone, Donabate and provide homes for people across all sectors of society in Fingal,” concluded Cllr O’Leary.