While affordable housing schemes have been launched in Wexford town, Gorey, Enniscorthy, and in rural parts of the county, those in New Ross await the arrival of an initiative which supports first-time buyers to purchase their own homes.
This is despite Wexford County Council (WCC) continually seeking expressions of interest from developers in the area who may be willing to enter into a partnership with the local authority.
Accusing the council of “continually putting this on the long finger”, Councillor John Dwyer raised this issue at the October meeting of WCC, asking why New Ross was lagging behind the rest of the county.
“It’s not being put on the long finger,” said chief executive Eddie Taaffe, “we are constantly seeking expressions of interest from developers with planning permission who might be willing to partner with us.
“Notwithstanding that, we are progressing a mixed tender scheme in Castlemoyle which will include affordable housing. I appreciate it’s frustrating as New Ross is the only town in the county without an affordable housing scheme, but it’s not for the want of trying.”
Cllr Michael Sheehan was similarly frustrated by the lack of an affordable housing scheme in New Ross, suggesting WCC should be proactive rather than reactive when it came to providing one.
“Can we develop our own scheme with local landowners and builders?” he asked. “This has been done in other jurisdictions. If we’re waiting on someone to rock up with a proposal for affordable housing it isn’t going to happen.”
“We do put calls out for people who have land or people who have planning permission, we’re open to all suggestions on affordable housing,” replied Mr Taaffe. “We have been touch with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), and it is getting the message out to its members too.”
Cllr Sheehan also contended that the affordable houses included in the Castlemoyle development would not be as desirable as those located in other towns.
“Not everyone who’s interested in affordable housing will want to be in the middle of four or five social housing estates where they’re paying top dollar and their neighbours are not paying half as much.”
Under the affordable housing scheme, WCC assists eligible buyers to purchase new-build homes at a reduced price in exchange for an equity share (partial ownership) in the property.
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