It has been reported, that homes are for sale under Fingal’s affordable housing scheme at prices above the current market price. According to the Irish Times, “Buyers can save €10,000 on €245,000 two-bedroom apartments in Phibblestown Wood, Ongar, Dublin 15, and €5,000 on €205,000 three-bedroom homes at Parnell Drive and Parnell Green, Ladyswell, Mulhuddart, by purchasing on the open market instead of through Fingal County Council.”

Commenting on the reports, Deputy Joan Burton said that “We now have a ridiculous situation where so-called ‘affordable’ homes are actually being sold cheaper on the market than through the local authority. Common sense would dictate that this anomaly is ironed out without delay.

“Not only would people purchasing a home through Fingal have to pay more than the market price, they would also be liable to pay a ‘clawback’ percentage to Fingal if and when they decided to sell the property or trade-up. Obviously, no rational person would take this option.

“Like everyone else, Fingal must adjust to the reality of the property market as it stands now. They must adjust their prices accordingly and re-negotiate with the property developers where this is possible.

“The concept of affordable housing was to help those on more modest incomes to get on the property ladder. Despite recent falls in house prices, average prices are still beyond the means of many ordinary families. There are still many people for whom even €200,000 is an awful lot of money. These are the people that Fingal should now target these homes by reducing their prices below the market rate.

“Given the weakness in the property market at present, there is a unique opportunity for local authorities, including Fingal, to use their strong bargaining position to negotiate a better deal for potential homebuyers. The whole idea behind affordable housing is to help people on modest incomes on to the property ladder, not to give property developers a sweetheart deal.”