The Dublin docklands are being "socially cleansed" due to ever-rising housing prices, it has been claimed.
Senator Kevin Humphreys has accused the Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy of "standing idly by" as it emerged today that three new developments will not include any social housing.
Under Irish legislation, councils have the option of acquiring 10% of housing developments for use as social housing.
But Dublin City Council has opted to not take units at 6 Hanover Quay, Boland’s Mill and 8 Hanover Quay.
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Instead, they have agreed with developers to take housing units at alternative sites - at a cheaper price.
Senator Humphreys said: "The Minister for Housing has stood idly by while parts of his own constituency are socially cleansed of housing for local communities.
"The local community is being punished for the success of regeneration that they were told would benefit them.
"These three developments should have provided 20 new local social, publicly owned homes in the area, instead they will be provided elsewhere. The heart is being torn from the community."
Calls were also made to the council by Fianna Fail, urging them to build on their own land instead of relying on private development due to the rising costs of acquiring homes.
Last remaining waterfront site on Dublin's north docklands sells for more than €180m
But Senator Humphreys said he believes the council should have to purchase the units in the docklands.
He continued: "The area is rapidly being socially cleansed as an enclave for the elite and wealthy. The principles of balanced and sustainable social development have been lost in the area.
"The local community has always co-operated and supported efforts to redevelop the docks, but now their dividend is being withheld.
"It is hugely disappointing and is contrary to the sustainable development of the docklands.
"I am calling on the Minister for Housing to intervene now to ensure the Council purchases the units in the area, and ensures that regulations are changed to stop this happening in future."
