Sinn Féin Dublin Spokesperson on Housing Cllr. Daithí Doolan has said:

“Comments made by Minister Murphy on RTÉ’s News at One are misleading. The Minister claimed people ‘need to stop trusting Sinn Féin on housing’. This is coming from a Minister who has overseen the worst housing crisis in the state’s history. In fact, his party’s policies have directly contributed to the crisis.

“Minister Murphy also claimed Sinn Féin opposes the development of O’Devaney Gardens. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is the failed policies of this Government that has prevented the building of social and affordable housing on this site.

“Public land lies vacant because Fine Gael and their allies have blocked funding and buried plans in bureaucracy.

“We have a viable proposal to develop O’Devaney Gardens. It would deliver 33% social housing, 33% affordable to buy and 33% cost rental. Dublin City Council would be the lead developer and it would be fully funded by the State and the European Investment Bank.

“Sinn Féin have a proud history on Dublin City Council of consistently battling for social housing. We have never shied away from our responsibilities on housing.

“We have always extended the hand of cooperation to Minister Murphy and his predecessors in order to maximise social and affordable housing. We have challenged his department to make funds available to allow Dublin City Council develop public land for public housing.

“Minister Murphy needs to focus on his job of tackling the housing crisis and stop pointing the finger at others. We will not be distracted by these misleading comments. Sinn Féin will continue to work with others to provide social and affordable housing for Dublin.”