Ahern announces affordable housing details
23/06/2005 - 12:25:23A new Government agency will fast-track the building of up to 10,000 affordable homes in the greater Dublin area, it emerged today.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the Affordable Homes Partnership will hand over State land to property developers in return for the building of affordable housing elsewhere.
Mr Ahern told the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Biennial Conference in Belfast that housing was one of the biggest issues facing society today and was a priority policy area for Government.
“This initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to ensure that our housing needs are met, and that ordinary men and women can continue to aspire to home ownership in sustainable communities,” he said.
The new initiative will co-ordinate the delivery of affordable housing in the Greater Dublin Area, with particular reference to the Dublin Metropolitan Area.
A pilot land-swap deal at Harcourt Terrace in Dublin will result in 200 units coming on stream over the next nine months.
The Taoiseach said six other sites have been selected as candidates for land swap and would be “brought to the market as a matter of urgency“.
They include two sites at Backweston and sites at Model Farm Road, McGee Barracks, Gormanston, Co Meath, and the old Garda Station at Harcourt Terrace in the city centre.
Environment Minister Dick Roche will outline further details of the scheme at a press conference in Government Buildings this afternoon.
Government departments will also consider adopting a “use it or lose it” approach to land.
It will also provide a co-ordinated public information service on the various aspects of affordable housing to make it easier for people to find out what’s on offer.
The Partnership will be chaired by former ICTU president and former MEP Des Geraghty.
It will soon invite proposals from third parties identifying appropriate sites for affordable housing.
Earlier, Tánaiste Mary Harney said allowing young people to afford their own homes was a priority for the Government.
“I certainly hope that we see at least 10,000 new and affordable homes provided for those who need them in our communities,” she said in central Dublin.
“A house is a very basic requirement. There is a very high percentage of home ownership in Ireland – one of the highest in the entire world.
“It matters a lot to people and yet with the success of the economy and rising property prices, too many people have been unable to afford their own homes.
“This new initiative is around supporting people to be able to get a house for themselves and their families.”
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