Minster’s assertion on O’Devaney Gardens incorrect and unacceptable

Labour Party Dublin City Councillor for the North Inner City, Joe Costello has said Minister Eoghan Murphy’s questioning of the deal with Bartra to build 824 housing units in O’Devaney Gardens is unacceptable.

Councillor Costello said:

“The deal was negotiated between Bartra and Dublin City Council at the behest of City Councillors on the Dublin Agreement Group, and both the Dublin Agreement and Fine Gael Councillors voted for it.

“Contrary to what the Minister states, it is perfectly legal and possible for this deal to proceed.  The deal is a large improvement on the previous deal which the Minister had approved – the Minister wanted 50% private.  We have achieved 50% affordable and reduced the private element to 20% which is much more suitable for the area, where I live.  This will be done by way of an Approved Housing Body (AHB) entering into an agreement with the developer.  A number of AHBs have already expressed their interest. 

“At present there is no affordable rental scheme.  There is a similar scheme for Shanganagh on affordable rental housing which has the blessing of the Minister and the developer has gone on site.  The Minister has made €50,000 per unit available from the Service Sites Fund to help deliver these affordable housing units.  The Minster should not discriminate against a Northside development.  He should now make the same available for O’Devaney Gardens and the AHB can do the rest. 

“It is disappointing that Sinn Féin should now be siding with the Minister to undermine the deal when their Councillors on DCC had committed to accept a previous deal with 50% private housing.”