Council Clarifies Part V Rules on Social Tenants' Access to Apartment Amenities
Tuesday 11 August 2026
Dublin City Council has clarified that its Part V agreements do not fund social tenants' access to premium onsite amenities like gyms and cinemas, requiring additional payments instead.
Dublin City Council does not fund social housing tenants' access to premium apartment amenities under its development agreements, the local authority has confirmed.
The clarification follows reports regarding Newmarket Yards in Dublin 8, where social housing tenants highlighted that they are restricted from accessing shared facilities available to private renters, such as a gym, sauna, and cinema room.
According to Dublin City Council, its financial agreements with property owners do not cover the costs of these extra amenities. The council stated that such facilities are not directly linked to its statutory housing obligations under Part V of the Planning and Development Act. Under current arrangements, access to these communal spaces requires additional payment from the residents.
This situation reflects a broader trend identified in Dublin apartment developments. Reports indicate that social tenants in several complexes face separate charges to access shared spaces, including co-working areas, gardens, lounges, and gym facilities, with monthly fees of up to €208 reported in one instance.