Cover image for Dublin Inquirer print edition #123
"June is deeply associated with Áine, the Irish goddess of summer, fertility, love, and sovereignty, whose presence is especially felt around the midsummer season."
Dublin City Council is looking at rezoning lands for up to 20,000 new homes. But how’s it going to stop the cost of the land – and so the housing – from shooting up?
“We’ve been concerned about the idea of speculation and land hoarding,” John O’Hara, the council’s chief planner, told councillors. So they’re moving slowly.
“There is no other record in the country like it. I think that is a real treasure trove,” says Ellen Murphy.
Most councillors voted against looking at changing direction with the council’s flagship housing projects on Monday. But there was more support for a rethink than before.
At meetings at City Hall this week, councillors talked about changes in plans for how to use council land, possible traffic changes around Sandymount Green, and the roll-out of more “hubs” for homeless families.
Some of the other depot sites could be used for social and affordable housing, a report to councillors says.
As a major landowner, state-owned Córas Impair Éireann (CIÉ) is helping to shape the city. But is it acting in the interests of all?
“We are trying to lease the entire development to the government,” said Maurice Gillick of Platinum Land.
At Monday’s monthly meeting, councillors questioned Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy on current policies – before moving on to their usual business.