Housing Minister under fire after failing to fund housing development in north Wicklow
The Wicklow PeopleThe Housing Minister has been sharply criticised following a decision not to provide funding for the long-awaited housing development on the Rehills site in Bray.
Some 10 acres in size, as far back as June 2022 the National Development Finance Agency in conjunction with the Department of Housing had earmarked the Rehills site for up to 120 homes.
It has been a regular item of discussion among local councillors who have consistently expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of progress. The site is considered significant as it is the only land bank in council ownership that could help to address the growing demand for housing in the town.
The project was dealt a blow after district councillors were told during their November monthly meeting that funding from the Department would not be forthcoming.
It’s after Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O’Gorman noted in her October monthly report that a stage one funding application had been submitted to the Department, which was awaiting approval.
Wicklow TD John Brady has called the move as an “appalling and deeply irresponsible decision” which he believes demonstrates a “complete disregard for the housing needs of people in Wicklow and across the state.”
The site has been discussed for years as a key part of local housing plans and that the proposal included a carefully balanced mix of social, affordable, and age-friendly homes designed to meet the needs of a broad range of people within the community.
Deputy Brady says the refusal to support the project, which could deliver up to 120 much-needed social and affordable homes, “is a retrograde step that will condemn countless families to continued hardship, insecurity, and, in some cases, homelessness.”
He went on to criticise the minister and government over their lack of support for the project.
“The minister and government have completely turned their backs on communities like Bray, where housing demand has far outstripped supply. Instead of empowering local authorities that have the land, the plans, and the will to build, the Minister is blocking progress and leaving families trapped on endless waiting lists.
“It is a betrayal of the people who have placed their trust in the state to deliver secure and affordable homes.”
The Wicklow TD confirmed that he has contacted the Housing Minister directly, demanding that the decision be reversed with immediate effect.
“I am calling on the Minister to immediately reverse this disastrous decision and release the necessary funding. The people of Wicklow have waited long enough. This is a critical project that could deliver real, affordable homes for those who need them most. Anything less than full government support is unacceptable."
Deputy Brady says any attempt now to sell off this landbank to private developers to profiteer from must be opposed, the land must remain in public ownership.
“This decision not to fund the project must be reversed, the Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris must immediately intervene and ensure that critically needed homes proceed without delay.” he added.