'Significant' delays mean up to 35m worth of apartments bought by taxpayer lie idle, as some families have offers rescinded

"Social housing in much sought after areas, bought by the taxpayer, are empty due to 'extraordinary' and 'substantial' delays in signing off processes"

"The northern lights were visible even from the suburbs below the Dublin mountains this week, with people all over the capital turning their gaze to the sky."

"In Rathfarnham, however, people have spent the past year gazing on a far more depressing light-related sight: a brand-spanking-new apartment block with just a few lights turned on each night."

Taxpayer-funded social housing in sought-after Dublin areas remains empty because sign-off processes have suffered extraordinary and substantial delays. The northern lights were visible across the capital, seen even from suburbs below the Dublin mountains, prompting many people to look skyward. In Rathfarnham a brand-new apartment block stands largely dark each night, with only a few lights on, as residents and observers note the lack of occupancy. The empty units were purchased by the taxpayer but cannot be occupied while administrative and certification steps remain incomplete. The delay has left high-demand housing unused despite clear local need.

Read at Independent