Legislation to target developers ‘hoarding’ land

Developers who are holding onto unused land that could be used for vital housing for people at risk of homelessness in order to benefit from a growing economy are set to be tackled by new Government legislation.

Environment Minister Alan Kelly confirmed the move as he criticised local authorities for failing to “step up to the mark” in his attempts to address Ireland’s housing shortage.

Speaking on RTÉ radio after visiting a homeless organisation in Dublin, Labour’s deputy leader said the “what we have we hold” approach from some developers is damaging moves to overcome existing difficulties.

Mr Kelly said the idea of holding up development land, “is simply unacceptable” during a homelessness crisis that is sweeping the country. He said he will move to prevent the situation from occurring with legislation due to go before cabinet in the coming weeks.

Noting the recent controversy over the decision by Dublin City Council to block Department of Environment moves to house some homeless people in the run-down O’Devaney gardens complex, the TD said “the same people who vote against it [issues to resolve homelessness] are the same who shout about this issue”.

The minister’s comments came as he said 800 properties have either been made available or are in the process of being made available to house homeless people since the death of homeless man Jonathan Corrie metres from Leinster House last Christmas.

Mr Kelly dismissed criticism from Fianna Fáil environment spokesperson Barry Cowen about his attempt to resolve the issue, saying Ireland is facing an unprecedented homelessness situation not all of this Government’s making.

However, speaking at the Trust Homeless Service in Dublin he faced some criticism from the group’s founder Alice Healy who speaking beside Mr Kelly said numerous governments have promised to resolve the issue before leaving vulnerable people’s hopes unfulfilled.

“Homelessness is hugely complex and governments have come and gone and ministers have come and gone and said it will be all sorted by such a date,” she said, adding when she set up the Trust Homeless Service 40 years ago she believed it would not be needed “after six months”.

Kelly to allow people decide on job

He may be overseeing a series of crises, but Environment Minister Alan Kelly believes he is doing a “good job”. Speaking to reporters, Labour’s deputy leader dismissed Fianna Fáil claims he has become “comical Kelly” over the rent, homelessness and Irish Water difficulties.

“If he [Fianna Fáil environment spokesperson Barry Cowen] wants to engage in name calling that just tells you about where Fianna Fáil come from.”

When asked if he was doing a good job despite the controversies in his department, the Tipperary TD said: “I am doing a good job. I’m doing a very difficult brief with a very wide range of responsibilities. But I’ll let the people of Ireland and particularly Tipperary decide.”