•   Bill earmarks 30% of new developments for first time buyers -

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing, Darragh O’Brien has today introduced a bill to prevent so called Cuckoo funds from buying up entire developments that have not been designated as build to rent.
The Planning & Development (First Time Buyers) Bill 2019 will allow local authorities to earmark a certain percentage of zoned land (up to 30% at the discretion of the local authority) for first time buyers.
Deputy O’Brien said: “We are in the middle of a home ownership crisis in Ireland. Ireland has already fallen from a world leader to behind the EU average ownership rate of 69% under FG. Now Direct competition from massive institutional investors will mean many first-time buyers don’t have a chance of owning a home in certain parts of Ireland.
“I have come across several instances where estates and developments have been bought on whole by institutional investors leaving first time buyers and movers behind. Without clear guidelines and safeguards in place this will create high rent only parts of Dublin and other cities”.
The bill comes after spending from institutional investors soared in 2018 including snapping up developments where first-time buyers had already put down deposits.
“Our bill will level the playing field for first time buyers. It will operate on a similar basis to current Part V provisions which ensure that 10% of the units are set aside for social housing. For example, a development of 10 units must have to 3 units available for first time buyers to purchase.
“Each local authority must also review their housing strategy to set out its requirements for rental units over the lifetime of its housing plan. This will ensure a full picture of the housing market is considered when the council sets out its future.”
“We should encourage appropriate investment but not anywhere and not at any price. FF bill will allow for exemptions from the 30% First Time Buyers rule for Build to Rent developments once they are part of the Local Authority Housing strategy. This will allow developments such as Clancy Quay to proceed if they are in line with the Councils housing strategy. However, it will prevent developments that are not earmarked as just Build to Rent from being bought up by institutional investors when they go to the market.” Deputy O’Brien concluded.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing and local TD, Darragh O’Brien has welcomed changes announced today to the revised Bus Connects routes in Dublin.

There has been much debate and discussion about the recent proposals to change and augment the Dublin Bus network, especially in the North County.

Deputy O’Brien said: “I want to welcome the significant changes made to the BusConnects routes in Dublin Fingal. These changes address most of the concerns that I and my colleagues along with residents all across the North County raised during the consultation process.

“We now have direct buses back from Donabate and Portrane, Skerries, Rush, Lusk, Kinsealy, Portmarnock and the Seabury area of Malahide, there will also be a direct bus service for the Rolestown area and increased services to Swords
“I am delighted to see the changes to the Bus Connects routes in Dublin today. Over 50,000 submissions were submitted by the public on this very important issue and it is one which my party has worked very hard on with the people of North County Dublin to get agreement on.

 “Last summer we have been providing information and guidance to residents who wanted to make formal submissions to the Bus Connects consultation. Feedback from all our public meetings was incorporated into our own submission. There was a large volume of responses on this issue, so I am pleased today to see important changes to the routes.
“It’s clear from the large number of people who attended our meetings that many local residents had legitimate concerns about how the proposals would affect their local bus services, I hope that today’s announcement will help to ease those fears,”

“I would like to thank Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, Cllr Adrian Henchy, Cllr Brian Dennehy, Cllr Brigid Manton and Cllr Darragh Butler for all their hard work on this with me and to thank everyone who attended the public meetings that I and my colleagues hosted,”
“The revised plan is now out for public consultation and I would encourage everyone to engage. I will be reviewing proposal in detail and intend to raise any remaining issues with BusConnects. People can view the new plan on the BusConnects website. I've included the link below. It's user friendly and very informative. Be assured I and my colleagues will continue to push for improvements in our bus services and for real investment in public transport infrastructure in Dublin," concluded Deputy O’Brien.

Note to Editor: Please see below the link for the Future Bus Route Mapper.
 
https://routemapper.busconnects.ie/route-mapper

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing and local TD, Darragh O’Brien has commended students in Loreto Secondary School in Balbriggan, Co Dublin for taking a stand to support recent climate change protests.

Students at the school presented Deputy O’Brien with their ‘Stop Climate Chaos’ letters during a recent visit to the secondary school.
The school decided to remain in classes during the recent march to Dáil Éireann to highlight climate change. Instead, students and staff devised their own initiative by placing their thumbprint on cards which they sent to Deputy O’Brien to show their support and concern for the climate.

Deputy O’Brien said: ‘I would like to commend the students and staff in the Loreto Secondary School for taking their own stand to show their support for the recent climate marches by students across the world.

“I was blown away by the enthusiasm of students at the school on my recent visit to the school and this is exactly what we need to see, young minds engaging in a pro-active way with their local representatives to voice their concerns about the climate.’

Deputy O’Brien visited the school this week after receiving the postcards from the school.
“A huge effort was put into this project from both the students and teaching staff in the Loreto Secondary School. Their decision to remain in school on the day of the worldwide protests is also highly commendable. They marked the day in their own special and highly productive way, which is extremely pro-active,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.