Sir, – The Housing Agency's contention that the current minimum apartment sizes set out by Dublin City Council are inhibiting the construction sector should be strongly supported ("Build smaller apartments to tackle shortage, says Housing Agency chief", Front Page, October 4th).
I would also suggest a reduction in building standards, a ban on costly thermal and sound insulation, an abolition of any building inspections and a rowback on fire safety standards, as these will surely encourage a building boom and create many jobs. Feeding our children less might also mean future generations will fit into even smaller apartments.
If we do not bail out developers who paid too much for land by allowing them to build cheaply, we risk construction profits, the jobs they create and the lobbying power they finance. Are people really going to place having a decent home above jobs? Do they really value their dignity that much?
If the city council refuses to back down, the the developers should sit tight and hold the city to ransom.
I can only be thankful that, regardless of whether Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael hold sway in the Dáil, we are governed by the benevolence of the construction industry – an industry that has so generously added to the architectural riches of the city over the last 25 years. – Yours, etc,
PETER ENNIS,
Rathgar, Dublin 14.