A Kerry councillor says politicians don’t want to object to planning applications for new developments, but if it will ensure the delivery of affordable homes, it’s a step that'd be taken.
Charlie Farrelly was speaking at the recent meeting of the Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District.
He highlighted upcoming housing projects in the county and urged the council to seek that half of any new development is allocated for affordable housing.
Independent councillor Jackie Healy-Rae raised a motion to write to the Housing Minister seeking that affordable housing schemes be permissible within the Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne MD.
He noted that the council will be zoning lands soon and what people want is affordable housing and private developments in the area.
Cllr Healy-Rae said all pilot or affordable schemes are being shoved into places like Tralee and Killarney and it’s drowning the market there.
He added that Castleisland MD is thriving, but what people in the area want now is people and families.
Cllr Healy-Rae stated over 60 social houses were delivered in the town recently; but what needed is affordable housing and the council needs to do everything in its power to deliver it.
The motion was seconded by Fine Gael councillor Bobby O’Connell.
Supporting the motion, independent councillor Charlie Farrelly spoke about upcoming housing developments in the county.
He noted that no councillor wants to object to planning, however, he believes a portion of the homes in such projects should be allocated to affordable housing, or otherwise face objections.
Cllr Farrelly believes it’s the perfect opportunity to push forward in delivering affordable housing in Kerry.
