Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Can I explain why, in this situation, there is a role for the Minister? The SDZ was unusual because it provided for 25% social and affordable housing. The law only provides for 10%. The reason that was permitted, and Dublin City Council went along with that 25% requirement, was because the council was led to believe an arrangement had been reached between the Department and the receiver and that the receiver was on board for the unusual 25% social and affordable housing. That is why this is different from the standard mechanism and why it was such a surprise when it emerged there was going to be an appeal by the receiver to An Bord Pleanála.

Another distinction regarding this site is that it is an enormous proposed development of social and affordable housing. There will be 3,500 units, with 900 social and affordable units. That it supposedly a flagship project for the Government and the Government should be on top of it and ensuring it is delivered. This part of the city is crying out for social and affordable houses. Young people from local communities cannot afford even to rent units in the vicinity. It is unique that this part of the city requires proper consideration and requires development of this site promptly.

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