Labour party objects to supply of more than 10,000 homes across Dublin city – Bruton

Labour party representatives – from their leader down – have objected to or expressed concerns regarding more than 10,000 planned homes in Dublin City since 2020.

Fine Gael Parliamentary Party Chairman Richard Bruton said a study of all proposed housing projects with Dublin City Council and An Bord Pleanála files since 2020 reveals the vast majority of Labour party representatives in the city council area have objected to or attempted to hinder the progress of at least 10,804 homes.

Deputy Bruton said: “This is equivalent to four years of new housing supply at current rates. It is hard to see how that serves their constituents’ interests in the midst of a housing crisis.

“The Government is focused on increasing housing supply with 30,000 homes built last year. More supply of homes to rent and homes to buy is the only solution to our housing crisis.

“It is hard not to see hypocrisy in attacking Government performance against this background.

“It is not surprising to see that their policy towards the rental sector is also driven by political expediency, not the interests of long term sustainable supply solutions for those who need to rent,” Deputy Bruton said.

The Labour Party representatives have made observations on all sorts of housing – from built to rent apartments to apartments for purchase, from student accommodation to shared living units, and even, in a couple of cases, developments for older people/independent living in older age.

The true figure of Labour objections is likely to be more as an entire examination for 2022 cannot be completed yet.

From the 10,000 plus planned homes, party leader Ivana Bacik had correspondence on 894 homes, Deputy Aodhan Ó Ríordáin made submissions regarding 807 homes while Senator Marie Sherlock had concerns regarding 2,995 homes.

Deputy Bruton added: “By objecting to housing, Labour and other opposition parties are ensuring many families are locked out of the housing market.”