Social Democrats councillor Joan Hopkins has expressed concern after it was reported that a majority of homes bulk purchased in a Swords housing estate by Ryanair earlier this year remain vacant.
Cllr Hopkins, who is the party’s general election candidate in Dublin Fingal East, said:
“Last January, people were shocked when it emerged that the airline had purchased 25 out of 28 homes in a new housing development at Fosterstown Place in Swords. Ryanair said at the time that the properties were acquired to accommodate staff who work out of Dublin Airport.
“But according to a report in yesterday’s Business Post, 18 of these homes are lying empty – six months after they were completed by the developer.
“This is a another slap in the face for people who need to purchase or rent a home in Swords, particularly those who grew up in the area and want to remain close to family and friends.
“The Government has already failed to stop vulture funds from bulk buying homes in housing estates, thanks to a derisory 10 per cent stamp duty rate that does nothing to deter them. Now we have a situation where wealthy corporations like Ryanair feel they need to enter the property market because their staff can’t find anywhere to live.
“However, it just adds insult to injury when badly sought after homes are left empty in the middle of Ireland’s worst ever housing crisis.
“It provides further evidence that the Government is presiding over a dysfunctional housing system that offers little hope to ordinary people.”
September 23, 2024