Social housing and regeneration projects in Dublin under threat from government cuts.
The government proposed €20 million cutbacks came as a shock to Dublin City councillors who had been complaining about the lack of progress in restarting the abandoned regeneration projects.
They were told that the Department of the Environment is planning a ten per cent cut in housing funding.
Labour Councillor Kevin Humphries says that the impact of the cuts means that there will be less social housing built. He believes if these cuts become a reality, the minister has let down the city.
Some councillors from government parties want the cutbacks stopped. Lord Mayor of Dublin and Fianna Fáil politician Eibhlin Byrne says that it is up to councillors to make a case to the government to retain the funding.
We need whatever money is necessary to provide social housing in the city.
The planning committee has been told that new plans are being considered for the regeneration of St Michael's Estate, O'Devaney Gardens and the Dominic Street flat complex. Assistant Manager at Dublin City Council, Ciaran McNamara has guaranteed that he will deliver a concise plan by the end of the year.
A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment has said that a final decision on funding has not yet been made.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 29 September 2008. The reporter is John Kilraine.
