People misled over Oscar Traynor Road houses, says Mitchell

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Bay North Denise Mitchell has branded the new development on Oscar Traynor Road as “deeply disappointing.”

She said that the land was handed over to the State on the basis that the houses “would be affordable to average workers.”

Speaking on Thursday, Mitchell said “it is deeply disappointing to see the prices of these new homes that were announced yesterday.”

“Sinn Féin previously voted against the handing over of this site due to concerns around the affordability for people in the area; it seems our worst fears have been realised.”

It was revealed that the cost of a three-bed home is €500,000, with purchasers only able to buy the homes at prices between €399,731 and €475,000.

“The Local Authority acquires the difference between the full market price, and this must ultimately be paid back by the homeowners or their children,” she said.

She noted that for someone to be eligible for one of the €500,000 homes you would need a gross household income of €106,875.

“Calling these homes “affordable” is insulting to average workers and families in Dublin Bay North who aren’t going to be in a position to even be considered,” she said.

She stated that Dublin City Council members were “misled,” in addition to members of the local community.

“The area of Dublin desperately needs affordable homes for working people on incomes of €60,000 and €70,000 to be able to buy their own home.

“This site should never have been sold. It should have been developed by Dublin City Council with homes sold at or close to the cost of construction. This would have meant prices between €250,000 and €290,000.”