Digging and clearing has started near a Dublin prison as 'investigation work' begins for a new project.
People Before Profit Councillor Hazel De Nortúin confirmed last night that work happening near Wheatfield Prison is for an affordable housing scheme.
Workers have been clearing the ground for over a week with the site investigation set to continue into June.
The Ballyfermot/Drimnagh Councillor said: "I've been asked what's happening on the green behind Wheatfield Prison.
"I've enquired with management and they said 'they are clearing the site and doing site investigation work for the affordable housing project'."
She added: "They will be there over the next week or so and if I get any other information, I'll pass it on."
Meanwhile, a major housing development for 1,200 north Dublin homes has been slammed as a "sweetheart deal for developers".
The plan for the site at Ballymastone, Donabate was passed by a huge majority of 31 votes to nine by Fingal County Council despite opposition from Sinn Fein, Social Democrats and Solidarity.
Works had been underway over the last three years to bring the housing plan to fruition, with Glenveagh homes set to deliver it over the next 10 years.
It will include 20% social housing, 20% affordable housing and 60% private housing with 11% of the site used as public open space with small parks and pocket parks in proximity to housing. Community facilities including parks, creches, EV charging points and improved transport links are also proposed.
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “Our mandate from Government is to provide housing and, since 2015, we have used many mechanisms to ensure the construction of social, affordable and private homes across Fingal.
"We have spent the last three years developing this particular model, which can deliver mixed tenure residential development as outlined in the Donabate Local Area Plan. I would like to thank the councillors for their overwhelming support for our effort to improve the supply of housing in Fingal.”
But the plan was blasted as another development in support of developers instead of the public. The disposal will see a large tract of land sold to Glenveagh Living Ltd for €11million.
The deal sees Glenveagh snapping up sites at an average of just €15,000 each, less than half the estimated current Dublin market value of €30,000 to €35,000 per site.
You can find more information on the deal here.
