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[Press Release: December 8th, 2002] GREENS ACCUSE MINISTER CULLEN OF 'COP-OUT' ON SOCIAL HOUSINGThe Green Party has accused the Minister for the Environment, Martin Cullen, of a cop-out on the Government's plan to provide social housing.Green Party councillor, Deirdre de Burca, says " Minister Cullen's proposals regarding the withering of planning permissions will create further obstacles for the provision of affordable housing.Tens of thousands of social and affordable housing units will be lost as a result of these new proposals. By not allowing existing planning permission to wither at the end of the year, Minister Cullen is letting developers away with not providing social housing units" she says. According to councillor de Burca, Minister Cullen's decision to abandon the provision which forces builders to provide cheaper housing in new estates is a "slap in the face" for those who were hoping to purchase affordable housing units. "The reality is that this Government and Minister Cullen have blatantly given in to pressure from the developer's lobby" says councillor de Burca. Councillor de Burca said that the Green Party will be opposing the new measures in the Dáil and will be calling on Minister Cullen to reconsider his plans. For further information please contact Deirdre de Burca on 086 8061450 or email deburca@wicklowgreens.org. |