As the government blocks funding for major social-housing projects, FF and FG councillors point fingers at ministers
As many as 1,325 social homes in Dublin city are at an advanced stage, with planning granted – but now with no clear funding.
“The area does get quieter in the evening. But we hope the new place will draw people,” says Florencia Pugliese.
“People come in, take some spuds, some onions, whatever it is. It all keeps ticking along.”
Whatever temporary measures are put in place, nothing is ever going to do the job like a big solid concrete wall, says Maynooth University’s Peter Thorne.
They recite schemes that were promised, or piloted, but seem to have gone nowhere. A council spokesperson said similar initiatives still exist.
“Private interests are still in control of vast tracts of what should be publicly controlled land, publicly run in the interest of the people.”
“Before I get out of my car outside the house, I get the smell of sewage. When people call over, I have to warn them. It’s embarrassing.”
“Your daughter going into the bushes to do a wee on a Saturday morning in the park is not ideal, at all.”
“We've gotten broken promises before from Dublin City Council, but this all feels different. We’ve never had this commitment before.”
The council met local residents Monday to talk about options. Previous ideas have included housing, sports facilities, and a Traveller resource centre.
A delay in a railway project means Iarnród Éireann won’t need it for a couple more years. “That was the only stumbling block, that it would be required back very shortly.”
Church Mews, Church View or Church Place? Not good enough, said independent Councillor Cieran Perry.
“You stand on the pier and it’s different every day. The sky is changing, the water, the clouds. It’s the most wonderful facility. The whole prom is.”