Planning Permission Blocks Kildare Housing Aid
Families in Kildare face heartbreak as a loan cap excludes them from vital affordable homes despite securing planning permission.
Kildare County Council launched an affordable housing scheme to help local families buy new homes at reduced prices. The initiative targets first-time buyers and those struggling in the rental market. Demand surged quickly, with applications far exceeding available units. However, not everyone qualified due to strict financial limits set by government lending rules.
The core issue stems from a nationwide loan ceiling that restricts borrowing amounts for affordable purchase schemes. In Kildare, several applicant families exceeded this cap based on their income and the property values involved. Even though their homes received housing scheme approval, they could not secure the necessary loans. Local officials expressed frustration, noting these families met all other criteria, including residency requirements.
Council planners confirmed that planning permission for the developments proceeded smoothly, avoiding delays from An Bord Pleanála decisions. Sites were selected with care to minimise environmental impact and comply with zoning laws. Yet, the loan restrictions created an unexpected barrier, leaving some locals unable to proceed despite full support from the development process.
Similar challenges appear across Ireland’s affordable schemes, where material contravention rules and flood-risk development assessments add layers of scrutiny. Kildare’s experience highlights how national finance policies can undermine local housing scheme approval efforts. Authorities now push for adjustments to better align lending with regional property costs.
Experts recommend families explore alternatives like shared equity options or local authority rentals while advocating for policy tweaks. The government reviews loan caps amid the ongoing housing crisis, aiming to broaden access without risking financial overextension. Quick action could unlock more units for deserving applicants.
In response, Kildare councillors urged higher loan thresholds tailored to Leinster’s high prices. They cited data showing average home costs in the county outpace national averages, squeezing middle-income earners. Bridging this gap requires coordinated efforts between planners and lenders.
- Over 200 applications received for 100 units.
- Loan cap set at €360,000 nationally.
- Affected families earn above scheme thresholds but below luxury brackets.
- Council seeks urgent talks with Housing Minister.
Planning experts note that faster An Bord Pleanála decisions have boosted housing scheme approval rates, yet finance hurdles persist. Integrating environmental impact checks with flexible funding could prevent future exclusions. Families urge resolution before construction timelines lapse.
This situation underscores the interplay between planning permission processes and economic barriers in Ireland’s housing market. As reforms progress, balancing development speed with affordability remains key.
Originally reported in The Irish Times on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 03:27:59 +0000. Full story
