There are two-bed homes renting for €935 a month as part of a cost-rental scheme in Balbriggan, and for €1,100 in Cork city. But nothing yet in Dublin city.
First the newspapers moved out, then there was a plan for homes and a hotel. These days, it’s just sitting there empty – but it’s not on the vacant sites register.
“I believe this application is the definition of developer-led planning,” said Fine Gael Councillor Ray McAdam, at a meeting of the Central Area Committee on 22 July.
The government’s draft Affordable Housing Bill sets out rules for this type of affordable housing, and it leaves room for private investors and developers.
For one tenant, advertised rents for similar apartments in a neighbouring block are much lower than hers, raising the possibility of a downward rent review.
The recently rezoned lands could host up to 2,200 new homes but councillors are watchful as to whether a promised master plan will be agreed and followed.
Almost 400 of the apartments proposed for former council land at O’Devaney Gardens would not have adequate daylight in living room-kitchens, shows a daylight sunlight report.
