Housing pipeline report “deeply concerning” says O’Broin

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has described the latest Dublin housing supply pipeline published by the Department of Housing as ‘deeply concerning’.

The Dublin Mid-West TD was speaking after the report noted a 5% fall in pending planning permissions, a 3% fall in active planning permissions and a 5% increase in inactive planning permissions.

“According to the department there are currently 46,722 homes with planning permission that are not being built.  More than 6,000 of these permissions are due to expire in less than 12 months,” he noted.

“The data for apartments in Q1 is particularly concerning, with a 14% fall in pending permissions and a 5.4% rise in inactive permissions.  While permitted and active apartments are up marginally by 3.8% and 1.2% respectively, is does not offset the fall in pending permissions or rise in inactive permissions.

“What this data tells us is that there too few planning applications are being submitted and far too many planning permissions are not being built.  Contrary to the claim by Minister James Browne that this report highlights growing momentum in new home delivery in Dublin, it actually highlights the ongoing failure of Government to address key housing deficits.  Far too few applications for social and affordable housing are being progressed and far too many private developments are not being built out.

“Until the government addresses these issues in the housing pipeline delivery, and in particularly the delivery of social, affordable and private for purchase homes, we will continue to lag behind need.”