Urgent Government action needed for home buyers "held to ransom" - Guirke
The government has been urged to take immediate action to help young families "held to ransom" after the developer behind their new homes requested more money to complete the project.
It comes after around a dozen buyers who entered into contracts with the developer have since been asked to pay an extra €60,000 on top of the agreed sale price of €275,000 due to the project running into financial difficulties.
Buyers of ‘Ring Fort’ a development by Meathamatics Ltd consisting of 16 three- and four-bedroom semi-detached homes in Rathmolyon signed contracts and paid thousands in deposits, some more than three years ago but are now in deadlock with the developer who says an additional injection of cash is needed or the project won’t be completed.
Sinn Féin Deputy Johnny Guirke last Thursday addressed a pressing issue in the Dáil regarding home buyers of Ring Fort in Rathmolyon urging the government to take immediate action in order to assist those who have signed contracts.
He said:
"Ring Fort is a development of 16 houses which is 99% complete. Some of these houses were purchased under the help to buy scheme. The development was financed by Home Building Finance Ireland, HBFI.
"Meathamatic is now looking for an additional €60,000 from people who signed contracts, a legally binding agreement. We cannot allow this to happen and set a precedent where, if they are not happy with the price agreed, contractors look for more money when the development is finished."
Deputy Guirke said that despite the buyers reaching out to various government departments, nothing has been done.
He added:
"The owners have written to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with no response from any of them. I ask the Government to intervene and assist home buyers who have been held to ransom by the developers in Rathmolyon. It is a disgrace."
Recognising the urgency of this matter, Deputy Johnny Guirke called on the government to step in and provide much-needed assistance to the affected buyers.
He stated, "It is crucial that the government acknowledges the distressing circumstances faced by these home buyers. These individuals made significant financial commitments with the expectation of owning their homes, and it is our duty to ensure that their rights are protected.
"I urge the government to act swiftly and implement measures that address this issue, offering support and solutions to those affected. It is crucial that we demonstrate compassion and understanding in assisting these home buyers during this challenging time," he added.