“Mantras do not build homes” says O’Leary following council vote

Plans for 360 social and affordable homes at Baile na Móna, Swords, face significant delays following a vote by Fingal County Council members.

 Area Committee Chairman Cllr Tom O’Leary criticised Labour, Sinn Féin, Aontú and Social Democrats councillors for voting against the proposal, with the Fine Gael councillor stating, “mantras do not build homes.”

 “I am very disappointed that colleagues in Labour, Sinn Féin, Aontú and the Social Democrats ignored repeated strong advice from Fingal’s Chief Executive and Housing Director and backed a motion which, in my view, effectively scrapped the existing contract for homes due to start in January 2027. That is incredible in a housing crisis,” O’Leary said.

The Fingal-led project with Glenveagh would deliver 249 affordable homes, 111 social homes and a new crèche for 164 children. Glenveagh is already delivering 274 homes in the first phase, with many residents now moved in.

“The agreement already provided for a roughly 670m² crèche, costing an estimated €3.5 million, with an experienced operator required to occupy it within three months of completion,” O’Leary explained.

He said the motion, carried by two votes, sought to make the land transfer conditional on council ownership of the crèche.

Senior management warned that this would invalidate the contractual agreement and could require a fresh tender, potentially taking up to nine months.

O’Leary stated, “we now risk losing a year and facing higher costs.”

A 6% increase on a €350,000 home would mean an additional €21,000, illustrating the potential impact of delay.

“Swords needs homes alongside childcare, schools, transport, pitches and parks. I want this agreement brought back urgently.

“Mantras do not build homes — builders build homes. Let’s get these 360 homes and the crèche built.”