Fine Gael Dublin South TD and Competition and Consumer Protection Spokesperson, Olivia Mitchell TD, has accused Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council management of a breach of trust with the public in proposing to switch affordable houses at Brehon Grove to social housing for applicants on the Council's housing list.

Deputy Mitchell added that the Council hadn't even tried to sell these units and this raises questions about whether this practice will be replicated in ghost estates around the country as a solution.

"When the Council agreed to this controversial development, following a public consultation process, it was subject to the proviso that 10 of the 39 dwellings would be sold under the affordable housing scheme in line with the Council's strategy of maintaining a good social mix. This was a particular concern for residents in nearby Kingston estate.

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"Now, the Council is trying to renege on this commitment and this is a complete breach of trust. It confirms the public's scepticism about the value and honesty of the public consultation process.

"The Council hasn't even tried to sell the units in question citing the drop in value as one reason for the U-turn but surely young buyers should be offered the opportunity to capitalise on these lower prices to buy their own homes? Even in the medium term this a far cheaper option than providing permanently subsidised social housing.

"The other two excuses offered by management, possible legal barriers and difficulties in management and maintenance, were factors known at the time the Council agreed to the scheme. This would suggest there was never any intention to comply with the condition imposed by Councillors that some units would be sold.

"If the process of consulting with the public on Council proposals is to have any credibility in the future, Council management must at least try to do what they promise to do."

(CD)