Kildare County Council is exceeding housing targets, says local rep
A Fianna Fáil councillor has said that Kildare County Council (KCC) 'is exceeding it’s targets all the time when it comes to housing projects'
The comments were made by Cllr Suzanne Doyle at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) meeting, which was held on Wednesday, October 18 last.
At the meeting, her party colleague, Cathaoirleach Noel Heavey, motioned for KCC 'to outline the numbers and types of units (number of bedrooms) currently unallocated and available for allocation by Kildare County Council.'
His motion continued: "Please also include information on units for which full planning has been granted as well as those currently under construction in the different settlements of this MD."
Cllr Doyle seconded his motion.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Suzanne Doyle (File photograph).
KCC also said: “On October 10, 2023, there were four properties available for allocation in this area (referring to the MD).
"The Housing Department are continually working on opportunities to increase housing supply in this MD.
"Reports on housing delivery are given to members on a monthly basis together with report on our vacant stock."
The Cathaoirleach, in response to the report, said: "All the local representatives here know about the pressure when it comes to housing in our local area... my question is, when is it coming down the line, for the long-term?"
"I do accept the report, but I’m not exactly jumping for joy," he added.
Cllr Doyle said that she agreed with the Cathaoirleach, but added: "It should be noted that the council is exceeding its targets when it comes to new housing projects."
Fine Gael Cllr Kevin Duffy also agreed with Cllr Doyle, and said that the Vacant Homes Report would better inform both councillors and KCC in its housing strategy for the future.
Cllr Duffy added: "There is room for improvement, but overall the news is very positive."