New homes scheme should cut out developers

ON THE day a report is published confirming how the water charges plan was an inevitable disaster, this ridiculous housing plan is unveiled by Fine Gael.

We, the taxpayers, own the land, we are paying enormous wage bills to civil servants, government advisors and God knows who else and yet, after wasting a lot of time, the best they can do is feather the nests of developers and bankers with our land. This plan is probably even more damaging than the sale of our telecommunications semi-State body.

All State-owned land should be developed by the State, without involving developers. As the State has the land, there is no site cost so affordable housing is possible. Involve housing co-operatives and local authorities to do the building. Let the developers look after the upper-middle classes.

If there is a shortage of skilled labour, bring back the Polish workers who were used by the developers to enhance their profits during that unspeakable period when the then government abolished social housing. Did you ever see a social house in a private development?

By all means, set up an authority like our semi-State bodies, but let them deliver housing without involving developers. When the houses are sold, the State will recoup their costs. People who are entitled to social housing should treat the property with respect and pay appropriate rent.

It is time to tell our politicians that a nonsensical housing plan will elect a whole new government. Start marching. Mary Naughton Rosses Point, Co Sligo