28 April 2008
Developers have paid €78m to avoid building social housing. By Juno McEnroe building firms have paid €78.6 million to avoid their responsibilities under the social and affordable housing scheme.
But home-seekers remain the real losers as city, county and town councils receive the payouts but do not re-invest the monies in social housing, say housing rights campaigners. More than 43,000 people are on council housing waiting lists — with many anxious to avail of affordable housing.
Under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, developers were required to set aside 20% of their rezoned land for social or affordable housing. But contractors can skip their responsibility by availing of a buy-out loophole. However, housing support groups are concerned the builders’ opt-out payments could lead to young couples, in particular, continuing to struggle to get a house.
Many applicants, who could only afford a mortgage under the social and affordable scheme, are slipping further down council waiting lists. A breakdown by the Irish Examiner of the amounts reveals developers paid 31 county councils, five city councils and 22 town councils. Focus Ireland last night demanded councils stood up to developers and insist on homes being provided rather than cash". News from Irish Examiner
These housing schemes are created to help young families with children, to help firtst time buyers who want to own place of their own....So many of them will have to wait more... What is your opinion?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment