Ireland’s housing crisis has become an increasingly pressing issue. With high demand and limited supply, the country’s homeownership rate has fallen to just under 68%, and rental prices have skyrocketed, making it difficult for many people to afford a place to live. However, there may be a solution to this problem in the form of 75 ghost estates scattered around the country. These ghost estates were abandoned during the economic recession, but now they present an opportunity to quickly deliver 2000 much-needed homes to the market. In this article, we will explore the potential of these estates and why they could be the key to solving Ireland’s housing crisis.
Extra.ie has learned that there are currently 75 ghost housing estates in Ireland, despite the ongoing housing crisis, with a planning expert suggesting that immediate completion of these estates would introduce up to 2,000 new homes to the country’s housing stock. However, the Department of Housing has conceded there has been no progress made with completing these estates within the past year. The department has stated these unfinished developments, spread across 18 counties, remain its responsibility. Independent TD Seán Canney has called for a “housing supremo” to finally oversee the completion of these estates, which contain an estimated 1,600 to 2,000 homes at various stages of completion, according to an architect and housing expert.
In conclusion, Ireland’s 75 ghost estates represent a unique opportunity for the country to address its ongoing housing crisis. With the potential to deliver 2000 houses, these abandoned developments offer a glimmer of hope for families struggling to find affordable and sustainable accommodation. The challenge now will be to transform these ghost estates into vibrant and livable communities that people want to call home. By leveraging creative planning and design solutions, Ireland can breathe new life into these dormant developments and create a brighter future for all its citizens. The road ahead may be long and difficult, but with determination and collaboration, we can make it happen.
