Dublin’s housing crisis is exacerbating the current pandemic’s effects.

According to a piece in the Dublin InQuirer a number of local residents and TDs in Dublin 8 are unhappy with plans for a new co-living space to be constructed.

A major concern is that in the midst of a pandemic it is near impossible to socially distance properly. Furthermore, rather than building affordable housing for local people the increase of these transient, short-term housing results in increased rent prices and a number of spaces that lie empty outside of their short term lets to tourists.

Councillors like People Before Profit’s Bríd Smith have voiced their opposition, saying “There is nothing about this proposal that is good for the city or the community within which it is located,” in an objection letter launched against the planning application.

Despite 24 objections to the proposal of the new complex it was granted permission to go ahead by Dublin City Council on 30 March. Lead by ‘Collective’, an organisation that has similar properties in New York and London the new space would include a gym, cinema space, library and two shared kitchens.

Despite advice to create more kitchen space, Collective did not apply any changes.

A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said that Collective’s planning application was subject to the relevant ministerial guidelines and it was assessed within the city development plan framework and it wouldn’t create an over-concentration of shared living.

Residents and TDs face more obstacles than usual to organising their opposition with meetings and gatherings being restricted in the face of the current pandemic.

Photo: Sam Tranum