Further State lands released for affordable housing

THE Government has released further lands in Dublin, Cork and Waterford for affordable housing.

The land will enable the construction of 3,600 houses for buyers in the lower to middle-income bracket.

Rising house prices have made it difficult for some workers to buy their own homes. This initiative will boost the availability of affordable housing for this group, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said.

“The release of State-owned land at these sites has the potential to yield around 3,600 housing units, in Cork, Dublin and Waterford,” said the Taoiseach.

State-owned lands at Harcourt Terrace, Portrane and St Bricin’s Hospital in Dublin are among the sites released. Local authority lands in the South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council areas will also be used.

In Cork City, properties on the Model Farm Road and the Youghal Road have been identified along with lands in Clonakilty.

Waterford City Council is to provide land for approximately 100 housing units.

Meanwhile, lands for 2,650 of the 3,600 units are to be identified by local authorities at the request of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government Martin Cullen.

The number of units on each site will depend on its characteristics, and the appropriate housing mix for the area and other facilities.

“The Government is honouring its commitment in Sustaining Progress to deliver affordable housing,” the Taoiseach said.

“The Government will deliver good quality housing for those who have been priced out of the market in recent times. We will ensure that the projects are developed in a sustainable manner.” The Taoiseach said that the Affordable Housing Initiative is an important part of government policy. “Bringing balance to the housing market is a priority,” he added.

About 250 housing units will be provided on Cork City Council lands.

In addition, the Government has agreed to the release of the following sites with the potential to yield about 690 units, bringing the total potential number of units to be delivered in Cork under the initiative to about 940 units:

Department of Agriculture and Food and Office of Public Works lands at Model Farm Road, Cork City;

Department of Defence lands at Youghal Road in Cork City and Department of Agriculture and Food lands in Clonakilty.

Waterford

Projects will be developed on lands owned by Waterford City Council with potential to yield about 100 units for the initiative.