Call for urgent review as Wicklow housing delays spark frustration
The Wicklow PeopleA tense exchange unfolded at a meeting of Wicklow County Council as Cllr Tom Fortune sharply criticised national housing timelines and called for an urgent countywide review of ongoing and planned developments.
His remarks came after senior officials outlined that several major housing projects would not progress until inclusion in the 2027–2030 Housing Delivery Plan, a timeline he described as “absolutely ridiculous” given the scale of the housing crisis.
Cllr Fortune acknowledged the comprehensive nature of the chief executive’s report, but said the council had reached a point where elected members needed a full, honest assessment of where housing delivery stands.
He argued that councillors have spent months dealing with intense public pressure around housing, planning, and infrastructure, yet still lack a clear, consolidated picture of what is being built, when it will be delivered, and how communities will be affected.
He stressed that while housing delivery is essential, the manner in which it is being rolled out risks being unfair to existing residents if not properly planned and communicated.
He urged the council to convene either a full county meeting or district‑level sessions, with all relevant local authority experts present, to review progress and ensure councillors are fully informed.
Responding to his concerns, director of services Joe Lane explained that the current housing programme is tied to the national 2022–2026 Housing Delivery Plan.
Under that plan, development at Burgage in Blessington had already secured Part 8 planning approval, allowing it to proceed.
However, other key sites, including Burnaby in Greystones, Rehills in Bray, and Tinahask in Arklow had not yet completed the Part 8 process and therefore could not advance under the current plan.
As a result, they are expected to be included in the next national housing delivery cycle, covering 2027–2030, pending new guidelines from government.
Mr Lane also noted that the Public Private Partnership (PPP) bundles were reviewed nationally and several were withdrawn on value for money grounds. This decision, he said, was made at the Department of Housing.
Cllr Fortune replied that hearing officials speak about waiting until 2027–2030 for progress “makes no sense whatsoever” in the current environment, especially given the pressure councillors face from constituents.
He emphasised that he did not blame council staff, but insisted that the national decision-making behind these delays was “ludicrous” and demanded scrutiny. He said he would “love to see the person who is making that call” and have a direct conversation about the impact such delays are having on communities.
Chief executive Emer O’Gorman acknowledged the councillor’s frustration, reiterating that the withdrawal of PPP bundles was a national decision and that the council is now working within the constraints imposed by that review. She said the council is attempting to move forward where possible but must wait for updated national guidelines before progressing certain projects.
Cllr Fortune’s call for a dedicated review meeting reflects a broader desire among elected members for greater transparency and coordination.
He argued that councillors need a clear, unified understanding of what is happening across the county so they can communicate honestly with residents and ensure that development is balanced, sustainable, and supported by adequate infrastructure.
No formal commitment to such a meeting was made.