Anger as price of 'affordable' homes in Limerick village is revealed
Elected members of the Adare-Rathkeale District have been briefed on the council’s plans to provide social and affordable homes
THE cost of “affordable” homes in County Limerick are a “sad indictment” of the Government, it has been claimed.
At the October meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District, elected members were informed the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has determined the cost of an ‘affordable’ semi-detached home in the district is now €337,000.
“It is not a negotiation,” explained senior engineer Brendan Kidney who said the local authority has no role in establishing the price.
The concerns over the costs arose after council officials updated councillors on various plans to provide social and affordable housing in towns and villages across the district over the coming months.
In particular, the cost of seven new homes at Cois Shruthain, an estate in Croom, alarmed councillors. These, they were informed, will be delivered under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme.
The three-bedroom houses, which will be complete by March 2028, are set to have a price tag of €337,000, despite the scheme aiming to help out first time buyers.
Cathaoirleach of the district, Cllr Adam Teskey, slammed the purchase price as “a dangerous thing to do”, saying that expensive housing is driving young people out of Ireland.
“I don’t know how young people will get on the property ladder,” he stated. “It’s a worrying situation.”
The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme is aimed at helping first-time buyers by providing houses at a discount - at least 15% below the private market asking price in the area.
The scheme is targeted at buyers with incomes ranging from €50,000 to €75,000.
Cllr John O’Donoghue also expressed his dismay at the proposed cost of the houses, describing it as a “great worry”.
He added that it is a missed opportunity that solar panels will not be installed on the new homes. “It’s madness really, electricity costs have gone mental.”
Separately, councillors were told six houses are also planned for Cois Currán, Pallaskenry. These will also be provided under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme . It is unknown how much these units will cost.