Build-to-rent social segregation
Deputy Bríd Smith says residents in build-to-rent developments are being denied promised access to shared amenities and describes this as social segregation. The Tánaiste says the playgrounds should be available, undertakes to follow it up, and says such segregation is abhorrent.
I am working on an issue I think will become very prevalent in social housing as build-to-rent apartments are rolled out. I am working with local people and with local councillor Hazel de Nortúin to campaign against what we are calling social segregation. In the build-to-rent model, 10% of apartments can go back to the local authority for social housing but families are now experiencing what it is like to live in these. The apartments are gorgeous but, though the contract was signed to say all amenities, including playgrounds, games rooms and shared party rooms, would be available to all in the complex, social tenant residents are locked out of those amenities. That is social segregation in Part V apartments and it is spreading like a disease through the city where these apartments are opened up. I raise it with the Tánaiste because the policy in the Department of housing, not the council, is for everybody to share all amenities. Children do not understand why they cannot use playgrounds. Explain that to a child in a wheelchair.
Comment on this
They are not being allowed and the Department needs to do something about it.
Comment on this
I will follow that up. As the Deputy said, the housing policy is that it be available to all.
Comment on this
I have written to the Minister. We need to do something about it.