Councillors cautious over plans to transfer 27 acres to state ownership

STRONG reservations have been expressed about a move by a local authority to offload land banks earmarked for social and affordable housing.

John Breen, the director of housing services in Kerry, has recommended that about 27 acres in Kenmare, Ardfert, Waterville, Sneem, Milltown and Knocknagoshel be transferred to the state under a land aggregation scheme.

The council would, as a result, make considerable savings in loan charges — €500,000 by 2013.

However, a council meeting on the matter was deferred to next month.

Independent councillor Johnny Healy-Rae strongly opposed the recommendation, warning that the council would regret the decision in 10 to 15 years when land might be needed for housing.

“Because of the times we’re in, this land would be sold for far less than what we paid for it,” he said.

Labour’s Breeda Moynihan Cronin called for clarification from the Department of the Environment and felt the council should get “first refusal” on the land if it was needed again.

Cllr John Brassil (FF) said the waiting list for houses should be looked at in each area before any decision was made regarding disposal of the land.

However, he noted that the council would have its loans of over €20 million and interest repaid in full if the land was transferred to the state.

Cllr Breen, meanwhile, said there had been a change in emphasis in national housing policy, to leasing and renting accommodation rather than local authorities building houses.

County manager Tom Curran said the council bought the land at peak prices and the Department of the Environment was offering an opportunity to offload the costs of servicing the loans, which may be at the expense of other services.