Richard Boyd Barrett, TD for Dún Laoghaire, said a proposal for 368 new apartments, none of which will be either social or affordable, at Cualanor in Glenageary by Cosgrave Developers is both “legally questionable” and “morally indefensible”.
The TD for Dún Laoghaire denounced as “scandalous” the latest plans for 368 new apartments at Cualanor in Glenageary that will not include one home for people on the social housing list or for those in need of affordable homes.
The latest plans from Cosgrave Developers at the former Golf Club in Dún Laoghaire are being submitted to An Bord Pleanala under the fast track legislation brought in by the current government to tackle the housing crisis.
The plans are for 368 new 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments and should have included social housing, but due to a previous deal done (details below, pg 14 of document) between Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Cosgrave Developers, those on the social housing list will be carved out of these two new blocks in the Cualanor development.
3 bed apartments in Cualanor are currently selling for €550,000 and 2 beds at €490,000. These prices will be out of the range of all those on low and middle incomes.
Deputy Boyd Barrett said: “It is scandalous and morally indefensible that Cosgraves are suggesting building 368 new apartments in Cualanor and not one of these homes will be either affordable or will go to the social housing list. So much for the government’s commitment to having developments with a mix of people from different classes and backgrounds.
“The government’s fast track planning legislation is deeply flawed and, as its main purpose was to tackle the housing crisis, it should not apply to developments like this one that will have no impact on the current needs of people looking for either affordable or public housing.”
