More action needed on Affordable Housing

Welcoming the move to develop a further 39 affordable homes in Ballymun by a housing cooperative, Labour spokesperson on Community Affairs and representative for Dublin North West, Cllr Andrew Montague has called for more action from the Government to deliver affordable housing.

Cllr Montague said:

“Last year 49 affordable homes were built by the groundbreaking Ó Cualann Cohousing Alliance in Poppintree, in my constituency. These homes have provided real hope for the local community, and it is a real world example of the type of model we should be implementing to develop affordable homes for people across the country.

“The news that a further 39 homes will now be built is very welcome and I want to congratulate Ó Cualann on their excellent work. I will be supporting the sale of the site by the Council when it comes before us for approval.

“However, there is still a major shortage of affordable homes for purchase or rent in the greater Dublin area. Improved delivery would reduce the pressure on the private rental market and allow families to achieve security in their community.

“The Labour Party has been calling on the Government for some time now to outline a national affordable housing scheme, but the failure to do so is causing families real problems.

“In our alternative Budget we outlined a plan that would see NAMA repurposed into a provider and financier of housing that would see up to 6,000 homes delivered a year. This is the type of solution Ireland needs if we are to deliver the number of homes needed.

“The latest figures show that just over 9,500 new homes were built last year which is simply not enough to meet demand. Its time for Government action to address the shortcomings in the private, developer-led housing market.”