Minister O’Brien welcomes vote in favour of 1,200 homes in Ballymastone

 
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Dublin Fingal TD Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the vote by the overwhelming majority of Fingal County Councillors paving the way for 1,200 social, affordable and private homes in Ballymastone, Donabate.
At a special four-hour meeting of Fingal County Council councillors voted by 31 votes to 9 to approve the construction of up to 1,200 social, affordable and private homes by Glenveagh Living Ltd – one of the biggest proposed housing developments in the country.
Minister O’Brien said it was disappointing that Sinn Fein, Social Democrat and some Independent members would try to block and delay such a development.
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “I welcome the outcome of the vote, which will soon see work begin in earnest and homes being delivered as early as 2022. From the outset, the vision for this project included the provision of high quality homes, with a range of house sizes, types and tenure to meet a variety of household needs and to promote balanced communities with accessible community and recreation facilities.
“Boosting supply is key to resolving so many of our housing challenges, whether it’s helping those experiencing homelessness into a permanent home, reducing the numbers on our social housing waiting lists, or addressing our affordability crisis.
“I really want to commend Fingal County Council for their vision for this project and all of the members who voted in favour of the development. It beggars belief that some members would vote against such a development which will deliver 238 social homes and 238 affordable homes at prices between €250,000 and €270,000.
“Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Government have been focused on progressing major reforms that will accelerate and increase the supply of housing – public, affordable and private. We have been very clear that we must use all tools at our disposal to address this challenge across both the private and public sector and that failure to do so is fighting with one hand behind our back.
“I’d like to again thank Fingal County Council for progressing this project and thank members who voted in favour of this much needed development,” he concluded.