Deputy Mayor says decision to delay social housing is a “hammer blow”

The Deputy Mayor of South Dublin has described the decision of some councillors who voted to delay the building of 19 social homes directly by SDCC as a “hammer blow.”

Fine Gael Councillor David McManus angrily pointed the finger at Councillors from Sinn Féin, Social Democrats and People Before Profit who he believes are responsible for a delay in the delivery of the housing proposal in Clondalkin.

The 2.25-acre site at Lindisfarne went to public consultation in August and following submissions and briefings, Council management had agreed to reduce the original plan from 28 to 19 social homes with lower density and greater green space for recreation.

At Monday nights December Council meeting Councillors voted to defer a decision on the proposed housing development for a further four weeks.

Sinn Fein Clondalkin Councillor William Carey explained why his party voted to defer the decision.

“The Managers proposal was not the best use of this land,” he said.

“South Dublin County Council considered the Housing Managers report on the proposed housing development on land between Lindisfarne and Melrose.

“This proposal runs in parallel with the proposed Child and Family Centre on the same land.

“The Managers proposal was to reduce the number of homes from 29 to 20.

“The decision on the location of the Child and Family Centre was not discussed and no decision on this has been made to date.

“Sinn Féin was not satisfied with the Managers report and supported a 4 week deferral of a decision on this matter to secure further changes.

“We believe that the 29 homes and the Child and Family Centre should be moved across the road to Canal Park.

“We also feel that the land between Lindisfarne and Melrose could take up to 15 dormer bungalows for local older people who want to downsize, freeing up a further 15 larger family homes for those on the housing list.

“Sinn Féin’s proposal would see a significant increase in the total number of new social homes while maintaining a significant portion of the green space between Lindisfarne and Melrose.

“We will meet with Council management this week to discuss our views.

“We are urging other Councillors to support our alternative proposal.”

However, Deputy Mayor of South County Dublin David McManus accused Sinn Fein of engaging in “political tricks.”

“Sinn Féin have been exposed engaging in political tricks by identifying an additional site outside of this planning development,” he said.

“If it were that easy, all Councillors could add three or four local sites to make even greater promises of hypothetical homes.

“The sky is the limit for Sinn Féin.

“If all parties took this approach, nothing would ever be built.

“In time, council management will identify other local sites for housing.

“The 19 units were to be 100% public housing on public land, a constant demand by parties of the hard left.

“While 19 social homes are a small number, this modest proposal would not require engagement with the Department of Housing or other state agencies which may lead to red tape or delays.

“Regrettably these 19 homes have been delayed by Sinn Féin and parties of the hard left.

“When we see Councillors voting against housing, it’s a hammer blow for those on the social housing waiting list and for young families seeking to buy an affordable purchase home.

“Equally it’s disappointing for the Housing Department of the Council that have done extensive consultations and are ready to build.”