By R McAney 14/04/2024
Clongriffin, North County Dublin – a place where modernity meets the historic charm of Ireland. But beneath the glossy façade lies a tale of infrastructure woes, housing disparities, and a ticking time bomb that threatens our community’s well-being.The Housing Squeeze
Imagine a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. That’s Clongriffin’s housing situation. The upcoming planning stage promises 1823 new dwellings, but here’s the catch: no social housing. Families, young professionals, and seniors alike face an uphill battle to find affordable homes. The numbers don’t lie – an estimated 8000 more people will call Clongriffin home within the next two years.
Who Owns Clongriffin?
Picture this, hedge funds gobbling up apartments like Pac-Man munching dots. These faceless entities own a significant chunk of Clongriffin’s existing apartments. For them, it’s all about profit margins, not community welfare. Meanwhile, ordinary folks struggle to make ends meet.
The Unattainable Dream
Let’s talk mortgages. A couple yearning for a cozy two-bedroom apartment faces a financial Everest. To even consider a mortgage, they’d need to rake in a staggering €780,000 annually. That’s more than most of us can fathom. The dream of homeownership slips through their fingers like sand.
What Can We Do?
- Raise Our Voices, Let’s rally together – young and old – demanding social housing. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Our community deserves affordable homes.
- Transparency Matters, We need clarity on who owns what. Let’s peel back the layers and expose the puppeteers pulling the strings.
- Creative Solutions, Clongriffin can’t afford cookie-cutter solutions. Let’s brainstorm alternatives – co-housing, community land trusts, and innovative financing models.
A Call to Action
Dear Parent Grand Parent, 20’s year olds this is your future, your children future, and the future your community. Imagine a Clongriffin where everyone has a roof over their heads, where hedge funds don’t dictate our destiny. It’s time to wield your voice, pen, or smartphone. Let’s rewrite Clongriffin’s story – one where affordability, community, and hope prevail.
Remember, this isn’t just ink on paper. It’s the heartbeat of our neighborhood. 🏘️💚