2,000 housing units to be made available by NAMA with Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown to receive 4th highest allocation

Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire Deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, today (Tuesday) welcomed the announcement by the National Asset Management Agency that it will make more than 2,000 houses and apartments available for social housing needs.

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor said this was a welcome move and one that she pushed the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, to explore in the hope of alleviating the press on families in Dun Laoghaire and Rathdown.

“There is a pressing need for increased social housing provision, not only in Dun Laoghaire and Rathdown but right across the country. Figures indicate that the number of households seeking social housing reached record levels last year, with no reprieve in the rise expected any time soon. Coupled with this is the fact that the Government does not have the money to buy or build any more local authority housing.

“Aside from its commercial remit, NAMA has a social objective which aims to contribute to a better society and sustainable communities. Last December, the Agency committed to making 2,000 housing units available in 2012 to people on social housing lists through leasing agreements with Local Authorities and volunteer housing associations. I am delighted there appears to be progress in this area with reports that a list is being drawn up of suitable units.

“In the past I have highlighted the need for more social housing in the Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown and have discussed this issue with the Minister. I have been pressing for NAMA to explore what suitable property it had on its books for family accommodation.

“I am delighted that Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown looks set to benefit from this allocation with 210 units or 10% of the overall allocation being made available to the constituency. This should go some way to making a dent in the housing list in the area and to addressing the needs of local families.”