FG: Dublin affordable housing scheme needs overhaul

First-time buyers are abandoning Dublin's affordable housing scheme as it no longer reflects reasonable prices, Fine Gael has claimed today.

"Freedom of Information documents show that there was a total rejection rate of 141.91% across the six Dublin City Council areas in 2008," said Fine Gael housing spokesman, Terence Flanagan TD.

"This rejection rate shows there were 1,260 rejections for 887 places available, according to Dublin City Council. This is a huge rejection rate and questions now need to be asked."

"In May 2008, Dublin City Council closed its affordable housing scheme for eight months, leaving applicants languishing on lists.

"Only one lottery draw was held in 2008, which yielded a huge rejection rate. It was obvious that potential first time buyers were staying away because of the rapid fall in the value of property.

"This has since forced Dublin City Council to announce in January that it was reducing affordable homes by 25% in order to reflect the falling market. However, no draw has taken place since. Latest figures available reveal there are 6,600 on affordable lists.

"FOI documents reveal that Fingal County Council also had a high rejection rate. In 2008 there were 6,014 offers made to applicants to view properties. However, only 18% decided to view these properties.

"In light of these figures I’m repeating my call that all other local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area need to revise down their prices for affordable housing to reflect current market value. In addition, the lottery draw system should be scrapped and replaced with a listing process and Councils should monitor affordable homes delivery on a quarterly basis to ensure efficiency."