Developers neutering social housing plan, says Rabbitte

DEVELOPERS “using their inside track to Fianna Fáil” have neutered a crucial scheme to provide more social and affordable housing, Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said last night.

In a blistering attack on its handling of the issue, Mr Rabbitte said the Government was “announcing and re-announcing initiatives” with “minimal impact”.

He criticised the Government’s decision to give developers a way out of their obligation to ensure 20% of new estates contain social and affordable housing. That law was contained in the Planning and Development Act 2000, but was later changed to give developers the option of giving land or money to local authorities instead.