Dublin: The government’s decision to rezone additional land for housing has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents alleging it is a covert attempt to benefit private developers while unfairly shifting responsibility onto local councils.
Dublin City Councillors voiced strong opposition to the Minister’s announcement, describing the approach as illogical. Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan said he did not believe councils were obstructing the construction of new homes, arguing that the move amounted to handing developers a “blank cheque”. Green Party councillor Michael Pigeon described the rationale presented by the National Planning Board as “bizarre”.
Labour’s Dermot Lacey accused the Department of Housing of being “the main enemy of housing”, citing his experience of bureaucracy undermining both local government and national housing capacity. Social Democrat councillor Catherine Stocker said the minister was “pointing in the wrong direction”, expressing concern that Minister James Brown’s proposal was designed to transfer more land into private hands.
Sinn Féin’s Michelle MacDonagh accused the minister of weakening local authorities, while Independent councillor Malachy Steenson urged colleagues across all parties to resist the measure. People Before Profit councillor Conor Reddy criticised the minister for issuing guidance while simultaneously blocking social housing projects in the city.
In response, housing officials stressed that multiple processes are underway to identify suitable land for housing development. They noted that the Department of Housing will host a workshop with councillors to examine potential land banks and highlighted upcoming housing projects planned for the Ballybough Industrial Estate in Glasnevin.
Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said he intends to meet with the minister to discuss the matter further.
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