People Before Profit representatives Gino Kenny TD and Councillor Darragh Adelaide have expressed outrage at South Dublin County Council’s decision to sell 4.6 acres of public land in Kilcarbery, Dublin 22, to private developer Adwood Limited for a mere €100. This decision, they argue, amount to a “give away” to the private developer . The land, which is part of the Kilcarbery Grange development, was originally set aside for educational purposes but has now been earmarked for social and affordable housing. Only 7 councillors voted against the sale including the four People Before Profit councillors.
Gino Kenny TD stated: “It is an absolute scandal that South Dublin County Council is essentially giving away public land for €100 to a private developer. At a time when we have a dire need for social and real affordable housing, every inch of public land should be used for public benefit. This land could have been used to build a school or at least 100% social housing that would directly address the needs of the community. Instead, we’re seeing an extension of the original skewed development model that puts private profit over public good.” Kenny emphasized that the affordable element of the housing scheme is just not affordable for most families in Dublin Midwest struggling with high rents and house prices.
Councillor Darragh Adelaide added: “Public land should be for public housing—full stop. The fact that this land, which was intended for education, is now being handed to a private developer is shocking. We were told that the developer won’t make any profits from this, but I find it difficult to believe that they would be doing this out of the kindness of their hearts.
The housing crisis won’t be solved by deals like this. We need to prioritize building social homes, and the entire Kilcarberry development represents a missed opportunity. Our communities deserve better. We will continue to fight for the proper use of public land to ensure it serves the needs of the people, not private interests.”
