Wicklow TD John Brady has launched a scathing attack on the Government and the Minister for Housing following the decision not to provide funding for the long-awaited housing development on the Rehills site in Bray.
Deputy Brady described the move as “This is an appalling and deeply irresponsible decision that demonstrates a complete disregard for the housing needs of people in Wicklow and across the state.
“The refusal to support the project, which could deliver up to 120 much-needed social and affordable homes, is a retrograde step that will condemn countless families to continued hardship, insecurity, and, in some cases, homelessness.
“The Rehills site, a 10-acre site and the largest land bank of council-owned land in the area, represents the only realistic opportunity to deliver large-scale public housing within Bray. The site has been discussed over many years as a key part of local housing plans and that the proposal included a carefully balanced mix of social, affordable, and age-friendly homes designed to meet the needs of a broad range of people within the community.
“The Government’s refusal to fund this project is nothing short of shameful. At a time when the housing crisis is worsening by the day, and thousands of people are living in precarious or overcrowded conditions, this decision makes absolutely no sense. It is deeply unjustifiable for the Minister to deny funding for a project that could have such a transformative impact on Bray and the wider area.
He went on to criticise the Minister and Government
“The Minister and Government have completely turned their backs on communities like Bray, where housing demand has far outstripped supply. Instead of empowering local authorities that have the land, the plans, and the will to build, the Minister is blocking progress and leaving families trapped on endless waiting lists. It is a betrayal of the people who have placed their trust in the State to deliver secure and affordable homes.
“This retrograde decision essentially confines people to long waiting lists, to years in emergency accommodation, and to the daily struggle of trying to put a roof over their heads. The decision flies in the face of common sense, particularly when Wicklow County Council has already advanced significant preparatory work on plans and when this land the largest remaining public site in Bray is ideally located for housing, whilst ensuring that the flood plain land on the site remains free from any development.
The Wicklow TD confirmed that he has contacted the Minister for Housing directly, demanding that the decision be reversed with immediate effect.
“I am calling on the Minister to immediately reverse this disastrous decision and release the necessary funding. The people of Wicklow have waited long enough. This is a critical project that could deliver real, affordable homes for those who need them most. Anything less than full Government support is unacceptable.
“The Rehills site has been at the centre of local housing discussions for years. It has huge strategic importance and potential to ease the growing demand for housing in Bray, where rents and property prices continue to soar. The Government’s refusal to support the development can only be seen as a major setback for the town’s housing strategy and a serious blow to hundreds of local families still waiting for a secure place to call home.
Deputy Brady concluded.
“Any attempt now to sell off this critical landbank to private developers to profiteer from must be fiercely opposed, the land must remain in public ownership. This decision not to fund the project must be reversed, the Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris must immediately intervene and ensure that critically needed homes proceed without delay.” Ends
