Wicklow TD Slams Government Over “Shameful” Refusal to Fund Rehills Development In Bray

Wicklow TD John Brady attacked the Government for refusing funding for the Rehills social and affordable housing development in Bray. Brady stated the decision disregards housing needs and blocks the delivery of up to 120 much-needed homes on public land.

Wicklow TD John Brady has launched a blistering attack on the Government and the Minister for Housing following the decision not to provide funding for the long-awaited housing development on the Rehills site in Bray.

The Sinn Féin TD described the move as “an appalling and deeply irresponsible decision that demonstrates a complete disregard for the housing needs of people in Wicklow and across the state.”

According to Deputy Brady, the refusal to fund the project — which could deliver up to 120 social and affordable homes — represents “a retrograde step that will condemn countless families to continued hardship, insecurity, and, in some cases, homelessness.”

Largest Council-Owned Site in Bray

The Rehills site, a 10-acre parcel of council-owned land, is the largest remaining public land bank in Bray. Deputy Brady noted that the land has been discussed for years as a key part of local housing plans, with proposals for a balanced mix of social, affordable, and age-friendly homes designed to meet the needs of a wide range of residents.

“The Government’s refusal to fund this project is nothing short of shameful,” Brady said.

“At a time when the housing crisis is worsening by the day, and thousands of people are living in precarious or overcrowded conditions, this decision makes absolutely no sense.”

A Betrayal of Communities Like Bray

The Wicklow TD accused the Minister and the Government of turning their backs on communities like Bray, where housing demand has far outstripped supply.

“Instead of empowering local authorities that have the land, the plans, and the will to build, the Minister is blocking progress and leaving families trapped on endless waiting lists,” he said.

“It is a betrayal of the people who have placed their trust in the State to deliver secure and affordable homes.”

Deputy Brady said the decision effectively confines families to years of waiting lists and emergency accommodation, despite Wicklow County Council having already undertaken significant preparatory work on the project. He also emphasised that the development plans respected local environmental constraints, keeping flood plain areas free from construction.

Calls for Immediate Reversal

Deputy Brady confirmed that he has contacted the Minister for Housing directly, demanding that the decision be reversed ''with immediate effect.”*

“I am calling on the Minister to immediately reverse this disastrous decision and release the necessary funding,” he said.

“The people of Wicklow have waited long enough. This is a critical project that could deliver real, affordable homes for those who need them most. Anything less than full Government support is unacceptable.”

Brady added that the Rehills site holds huge strategic importance for Bray, where rents and property prices continue to soar. He warned that any attempt to sell off the land to private developers “to profiteer” must be fiercely opposed.

Call for Intervention

Concluding, Deputy Brady urged Tánaiste and fellow Wicklow TD Simon Harris to intervene and ensure the project proceeds without further delay.

“Any attempt now to sell off this critical landbank to private developers to profiteer from must be fiercely opposed,” he said.

 “The land must remain in public ownership. This decision not to fund the project must be reversed. The Tánaiste and Wicklow TD Simon Harris must immediately intervene and ensure that critically needed homes proceed without delay.”