Signs Of The Times

Sir, - You recently reported that a firm of Dublin builders which had completed a mediumsized development of apartments in Dublin…

Sir, - You recently reported that a firm of Dublin builders which had completed a mediumsized development of apartments in Dublin 4 did not propose to dispose of them. They are apparently all for letting. The market apparently isn't quite buoyant enough? Anyway, holding on to them may just lead to an increased demand for them in this already hugely expensive location.There wasn't even a murmur of disapproval from the Institute of Auctioneers at this blatant inflationary step. You report, however, its predictable and speedy response to the recent proper advice of the Consumers' Association to potential house buyers not to pay the present inflated prices for property in the event of such a move imposing a financial outlay beyond their means.Last week, in response to a written question, I was informed by the City Manager that Dublin Corporation has evicted 207 families for non-payment of rent since 1990. The figure for 1996 of 42 was one third higher than the figure for 1995. The 1997 figures are obviously not yet available.While a far deeper analysis requires to be made of just who is benefiting from our "Tiger Economy" and to what degree, could I suggest that the two examples that I have outlined above - one of gross commercial greed, the other of increasing human misery - should serve as a reminder that right now the weaker sections of communities, including both those trying to remain in their homes and those seeking to purchase a home, need to be protected in their endeavours.Those who seek unfairly to exploit a position of strength y should be strongly discouraged from doing so and severely penalised if necessary.-Yours, etc.,(Cllr) Tony Taaffe,City Hall,Dublin 2.