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 that three new developments will not include any social housing.
Under legislation, councils have the option of acquiring 10% of housing developments for use as social housing.
But Dublin City Council has opted not to take units at Hanover Quay and Boland’s Mill, Dublin Live reports.
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.”
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.”
Homes close to DART or Luas stops cost almost €130,000 more than typical Dublin prices
