Social housing dezoning in South Dublin
Deputy O'Callaghan criticised councillors for rezoning land away from social housing, saying it would block 100 homes amid the housing crisis. The Tánaiste said he was not aware of the vote, would make inquiries, and Darragh O'Brien then interjected with a housing-site reference.
On Monday, Fine Gael councillors on South Dublin County Council voted to dezone land owned by the council earmarked for social housing. The decision to dezone these lands went against the professional advice of the planners. Every Fine Gael councillor voted for this dezoning and they were supported by a number of Fianna Fáil councillors. This will prevent 100 badly needed social homes from being built. I do not need to remind the Tánaiste that we have a housing crisis. More than 9,000 people are living in emergency accommodation and are desperately in need of social housing. As Tánaiste and leader of Fine Gael, can he explain to the thousands of people who need housing why councillors from his party voted to dezone these lands?
Comment on this
I am not aware of that particular vote. As the Deputy knows, councillors act in a quasi-judicial manner when making decisions on their plan. I will certainly make inquiries. It would be unusual for Fine Gael to vote against or oppose housing. Quite frankly, that is more the Deputy's party's form than ours but I will certainly check it out.
Comment on this
We have never voted against houses.
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Oscar Traynor Road, O'Devaney Gardens-----