Rejection of Meath social housing proposal slammed as 'disappointing'
The proposal was turned down due to concerns over the absence of affordable housing options within the plan.
The project was criticised for lacking a balanced housing mix that would address both social and affordable housing needs.
At the July meeting of Meath County Council, Cllr Nick Killian voiced his concerns following the vote, saying the decision has implications beyond Ashbourne.
The councillor who represents Ratoath said: 'It doesn't just affect Ashbourne…79 families that could have been housed will not be housed anymore. It is extremely disappointing.'
'We lost 79 houses that people could have been living in a lot earlier,' the Independent councillor added.
The vote at district level had been split 3–3, but the proposal was ultimately rejected when Chairperson Tormey cast the deciding vote against it.
Among the councillors who supported the development was Cllr Amanda Smith, who said she would 'love to see 79 people coming off the social housing waiting list.'
Cllr Killian appealed to his Ashbourne colleagues, asking that if the matter returns to the council, it be reconsidered.
The rejection means the Council will now need to revisit its plans for delivering social housing in the area.
According to Meath County Council's July Management Report, the local authority received 233 applications for social housing, 88 were approved for the housing list, while 37 were deemed unsuccessful.
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