Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said the proposed Fairlane housing development cannot come quickly enough, and said that a Sinn Féin led Government would cut through the red tape that has delayed the project to date.
McGuinness said:
“The Department of Housing has given ‘approval in principle’ to the developed by Waterford City and County Council of a mixed housing scheme at Fairlane, however its approval and funding process is causing serious delays in this much needed project.
“This land was initially to be sold by the Council and I requested that it instead be used for a flagship affordable and cost-rental housing scheme for the town. I am glad that following back and forth discussions with officials that we will also include a measure of social housing and homes for older people that may wish to downsize.
“A central plank of Sinn Féin’s housing plan is to end the interminable delays caused by an outdated and unnecessary bureaucracy centralised in the Department of Housing. Final approval and funding can take several years to come through – delaying badly needed projects, while land lies ideal and construction costs soar.
“This has been the hallmark of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in government – delays, missed targets, and out of control costs – but it doesn’t have to be this way.
“My colleague Eoin Ó Broin has set out a detailed and fully costed plan, developed in conjunction with industry experts and sectoral leaders. It recognises that when provided with approval and adequate funding local authorities can build homes efficiently. The key factor causing delays is the Department of Housing itself.
“Sinn Féin in government will provide local authorities with the capital needed to get homes built, including affordable, cost rental and social houses such as those planned for Fairlane. “
Conor D. McGuinness TD 