Deputy Mayor calls for construction sites to remain open

Construction sites for all housing and public infrastructure should be kept open according to the Deputy Mayor of South County Dublin, David McManus.

Fine Gael Councillor McManus was commenting ahead of a Cabinet meeting later today which will consider several tighter public health restrictions, including the closure of non-essential construction.

“Councils across Ireland provide new secure social housing by either direct build, a Part V agreement with a developer or through acquisitions,” Cllr McManus said.

“While it appears that social housing sites are set to remain open, all housing sites under construction are essential to resolve our severe shortage of housing, both private and social homes.

“South Dublin County Council is building 4,500 homes under the Rebuilding Ireland plan developed by Fine Gael.

“In 2019 before COVID 19, Part V agreements provided for 1,326 social homes to councils across Ireland while 2,772 homes were acquired by approved housing bodies and local authorities.

“This year 9,500 social homes are due to be built but this will not happen unless all sites remain open.

“Of course, we need all safety protocols followed on sites to minimise COVID 19.”

“Unlike Covid, there is no vaccine for our housing crisis except building homes.

“Our housing need is urgent and building homes must be essential.

“Data from the CSO highlights a 31.9% reduction in new home completions in the middle of 2020 compared to 2019 due to the lockdown.

“The latest house price report shows an acute supply shortage exacerbated by COVID restrictions in 2020.’