An auctioneer has done a u-turn after asking people to pay €2,000 just to go on a waiting list for a new housing development.
Bridge Auctioneers sent an email to some 200 people asking them to pay to be put on a 'priority list' for an upcoming launch of around 30 homes.
That's despite the builder not releasing any details of house prices or a site plan for the Gleann an Ghairdín development in Gorey, Co Wexford.
Ken Murphy from Bridge Auctioneers says it was a mistake and apologised after a massive online backlash.
"I'll be honest, it wasn't something that I had considered before but the developer was telling me that he had been talking to an auctioneer in Dublin and this had apparently been done on several different developments.
"It's something that I had never done before and and it's something that I certainly will never be doing again."
NEW: Just interviewed the estate agent involved. He said they've cancelled the €2k 'priority list'
"It was something that was done in haste and probably without full thought process of it. Apologies to anybody who was offended" https://t.co/UtRQEVP3T5— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) August 23, 2022
People were quick to respond to the news online and the owner of Bridge Auctioneers replied to those who wanted to share their thoughts.
The reply read; "I now understand the back lash is about the booking deposit which is fully refundable for the priority listing.
"This was done because of the lack of property and the demand.
"I get now that people are not happy about it so I am withdrawing this offer and will just keep lists and it will be a first come first serve basis.
"I apologise for any offence taken, it was not meant."