Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

On two occasions during the Commencement debate I have raised the lack of provision of affordable housing and affordable rental accommodation. Last July, I highlighted the delay in the construction of social housing and the absence of affordable schemes. I understand Dublin City Council is trying to get around the problem and ensure social housing construction proceeds on some of its sites. At the Poolbeg West strategic development zone, commonly known in the locality as the Irish Glass Bottle, IGB, site, the construction of 3,500 units was announced. The planning scheme for the development has gone to An Bord Pleanála, but we still have no affordable housing or affordable rental accommodation at the site. There is an enormous interest in affordable housing among people in my community in Ringsend and Sandymount. Some of these people are living in local authority accommodation, which they would be willing to surrender if there was some certainty regarding affordable housing provision in the area. There have been media reports since July that an affordable housing scheme would be announced within the next two weeks. In September, The Irish Timesagain reported that a scheme would be rolled out in the next fortnight. Potential users of any such scheme cannot make plans if they do not know whether they will qualify for affordable housing or the rental accommodation scheme, what costs will be involved and how they might qualify.

Will the Leader call the Minister to the House at the earliest convenience in order that he can clarify his thinking on this matter and outline the costs of affordable housing provision under a new Government scheme? We need to know if it will be like the old Part V scheme where there was a 20 year clawback and a 30% to 35% discount on the purchase price. There is growing frustration at the lack of clarity. In the absence of information, people who hope to have the opportunity to purchase an affordable housing unit are stuck and cannot move on with their lives. I look forward to having that debate with the Minister as soon as the Leader can arrange it.