This article is from page 8 of the 2006-04-18 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 8 JPG
NO applications have been made for affordable housing units in Kilrush, since law introducing them was enacted five years ago.
According to Kilrush Town Clerk Fiona Mooney, a total of 258 “expressions of interest” have been received by Clare County Council from people throughout the county, hoping to buy their own home.
The greatest demand for homes has been in Shannon, with 86 applicants having cited the town as their first preference. This is closely followed by Ennis. A total of 69 applications have singled out the county town as their most preferred place to live.
However, only 14 affordable houses have been provided in Clare during the first five years of the controversial Part V of the Planning and Development Act, providing for cheaper homes.
No houses to date have been provided in the West Clare principal town.
“However . . . when a Part V legal agreement is finalised in respect of Kilrush planning permission, the Kilrush affordable scheme will be advertised,” said Ms Mooney.
According to the town clerk, negotiations are “live on a number of planning decision files and it is anticipated that the legal agreement for a number of affordable houses will be finalised this year.”
Under the Act, 20 per cent of all housing developments should be made available for affordable housing or sites for developers of all private housing schemes provide such housing. In 2004, the Government amended the act to allow developers make a financial contribution to local authorities in lieu of providing affordable housing or sites.
The amendment has resulted in Clare County Council collecting €365,840 from developers during the past two years, while just 14 house have been provided.
West Clare Councillor, Tom Prenderville (FF) has described the amendment as a “buy-out clause”, which has made “a veritable ass” of the intention of the original legislation.
Clare County Council, which operates affordable housing throughout the county, has invited applicants to complete an “Expression of Interest” indicating the applicant’s top three locations preferences in order.
This information is kept on a database and consulted when houses become available in a particular location.