Affordable housing - So little delivered

FEW issues today cause greater anxiety among young couples than the cost of housing.

With the financial world in turmoil, mortgage interest rates rising, and more and more people feeling the pinch, it is high time the Government’s strategy of providing social and affordable housing was put under the microscope.

More than anything, today’s report that builders are getting off the hook by effectively buying their way out of the scheme to the tune of €76 million, reflects the cosy and unhealthy relationship between developers and politicians.

Having ordered developers to set aside 20% of rezoned land for affordable housing, the Government cynically provided an opt-out clause, allowing them either to pay local authorities or transfer houses or land instead of building the houses.

The need to provide more affordable housing is dire. Dublin City Council has closed the list because it cannot cope. It is reprehensible that so many young couples are not benefiting from a scheme that had promised so much but has delivered so little.