Call for ‘equitable’ spread of housing across the county

By Maurice Garvey

TWO councillors passed a motion at the South Dublin County Council monthly meeting on Monday, calling for an equitable spread of housing across the county, reports Maurice Garvey.

The motion was co-sponsored by Sinn Féin Councillors Jonathan Graham and Danny O’Brien.

Cllr Graham said: “Clondalkin is already due to have several infill development projects at locations in St Mark’s Green, Lett’s Field, St Cuthbert’s and Oldcastle.

“This is much-needed and welcomed housing for the area. Myself and my party colleagues not only voted for, but extensively lobbied the local community for their support for each project.

“Notwithstanding the fact that there is more housing needed in Clondalkin, there is an obvious need for social and emergency accommodation in other parts of the county.”

He continued: “The plan put before councillor’s for the delivery of emergency and social housing in the county was predominantly reliant on delivery in North Clondalkin and West Tallaght.

“Council management cannot, nor should not, expect these areas to carry all the housing delivery for the entire county.

“St Mark’s estate for example was expected to take additional development alongside the planned infill at present. The surrounding areas were also expected to take development.

“To perpetually seek to develop in the one immediate area is not only bad planning, it places a burden on already stretched services. The area needs to develop in tandem with planned housing.”