DLR: When will the affordable homes be built?

Famous Blue Raincoat · 27-07-2022 4:51pm #1

I was speaking with DLR's Affordable Housing section recently and they still don't know when the homes announced with much publicity a couple of years ago will be ready. They are not accepting applications, and they don't know the conditions or anything else because the politicians in DLR have not decided and/or done a deal with Darragh O'Brien's relevant government department on housing. So, nothing. And no rush.

There are apparently 40 paid councillors on DLR council. Despite being announced in November 2020 (https://www.dlrcoco.ie/en/news/general-news/new-housing-shanganagh-provide-597-homes), a contractor to build the 597 homes in Shanganagh was only appointed in June 2022. They are only due to start construction in September 2022 - which in reality means 2023? 2024? 2025? [https://www.dlrcoco.ie/en/news/general-news-public-notices-press-releases/contractor-appointed-lda%E2%80%99s-first-affordable-housing]

"It will be a mixed tenure project with the breakdown as follows: 51% cost rental (306 homes), 15% affordable purchase (91 homes) and 34% social housing (200 homes).

The first completed homes are expected at the end of 2024." - June 2022

In Ballyogan, they have plans to build 119 homes, and only this year have they sought tenders for the 52 apartments there (https://www.dlrcoco.ie/en/news/general-news-press-releases/expressions-interest-invited-development-affordable-housing)

And, is that it - around 100 affordable homes - for the whole DLR area? Really? Affordable homes are for low earners - i.e. people earning under €65,000 - and the State takes a proportionate share in the home (e.g. if they give a 20% deduction, they take 20% of the home's equity) so it's not exactly charity. €65000 would get you a mortgage for €230,000 max from the bank, so no home in this area. You can be certain that everybody on €65000 is paying more in rent than they would have to pay on a €230000 mortgage.

CJay1 · 27-07-2022 6:23pm

Have you looked in other councils? DLR is one of the most expensive areas in the country .

Famous Blue Raincoat · 27-07-2022 7:16pm

Unfortunately, moving to another area would not be possible.

Tow · 05-08-2022 5:01pm

There are well over 1000 affordable DLR homes in the planning stages.

https://dundrumcentral.ie/

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/construction/eir-to-lodge-plans-for-111-unit-apartment-scheme-in-dublin-14-1.4820821

Larbre34 · 05-08-2022 7:26pm

I daresay if there were 5,000 of them, shovel ready, it still wouldn't be enough.

Tow · 05-08-2022 8:30pm

There will never be enough, especially after the government promised asylum speaker/refugees their own door accommodation.

Larbre34 · 07-08-2022 2:58pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119434709#Comment_119434709

Their 'own door', being a hotel room, hostel room or other billet where they can get some peace in relative peace and security, as opposed to a tent or the floor of an event's centre.

Get a clue or go back to sleep.

Bit cynical · 11-08-2022 6:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119441020#Comment_119441020

I don't think this is correct. According to the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process:

‘Own Door’ accommodation

You can get in and out of your accommodation through a door which can only be used by you and your family. This accommodation will usually include sleeping quarters, a private living space and a bathroom and food preparation facilities.

It does go on to say, however:

4.4.7. Own-door. Families are accommodated in own-door accommodation. Where this does not include a kitchen, it should have facilities for basic food preparation (for example a fridge, kettle and toaster)

So it may not include a full kitchen, but it does appear to include more than just a room.

I've seen the term "own room" accomodation for what I think you are describing. This would still be a step up from a shared room or the floor of a tent or hall, but I don't think it classifies as "own door".

ted1 · 11-08-2022 6:57pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119434709#Comment_119434709

Give it over.

DLR: When will the affordable homes be built?

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