Councils critical of order on build standards

Environment Minister Alan Kelly has been criticised for ordering local authorities not to introduce housing standards that might affect new commercial developments.

The chief executives of the four Dublin local authorities have been urged to focus on making plans that would attract investors to develop housing for the rental market.

The councils are in the middle of examining development plans for the coming years, including building more houses and apartments in Dublin.

In the letter, Mr Kelly and junior housing minister Paudie Coffey warn the councils the viability of new housing construction in Dublin is fragile.

They urge the councils to develop housing plans in suitable locations at affordable prices, which could attract investors to develop homes for rental.

Introductions of additional requirements in relation to the standard of housing which would adversely affect the viability of commercial investment in new housing developments are advised against.

Mr Coffey, speaking to the Irish Examiner, defended the letter.

“This is about the viability and delivery of housing units,” he said. “It is not about housing standards. With the new building regulations, there are standards there brought in by this Government. In some areas, there is talk about big balconies, gardens, and car parking, which seems excessive and will add to the costs of housing. This is not a direction, it is just advice and there for their [the councils’] development plans.”

Architects and planners criticised the letter yesterday, while opposition parties also expressed concern over the housing issue.

Sinn Féin housing spokesman Dessie Ellis condemned the letter, saying: “We are lucky in Dublin City that we have won hard-fought standards for housing which ensure quality for homeowners and tenants. But we also are very aware that these standards are not always met by developers and that this can have devastating consequences in the longer term. Problem developments like Priory Hall, Glenn Riada, and the Laurels are fresh in our mind.”

The opposition last night also criticised a decision to drop legislation that required developers to provide 20% of developments of five or more houses for social or affordable housing or else make a payment to councils instead.

Mr Coffey said housing demand was a concern in Dublin, but also an issue nationwide. While 8,000 units were completed in 2013, housing agencies wanted up to 25,000 to be completed this year, he noted.

Renua Ireland accused Mr Kelly of “engaging in a dangerous gamble which leaves him open to the accusation that the short-term interests of property developers are being put before the long-term rights of residents to secure functioning housing”.