Ireland’s housing crisis has been an ongoing issue for years, with a severe shortage of affordable houses and apartments leading to skyrocketing prices and a record number of homeless people. Builders are now warning that it may take decades to fix the country’s housing supply, as the industry struggles to keep up with demand. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Ireland’s housing crisis and what needs to change in order to address the issue.
House builders are criticizing the Government’s lack of action towards the housing crisis, stating that flaws in the planning system and inertia have resulted in a limited supply of new homes. This comes as the eviction ban is set to be lifted. Lioncor construction company’s CEO, John Maxwell, stated that the backlog in planning permission and judicial review challenges to large housing developments are causing delays. With a deficit of 250,000 homes and an annual required run rate of 50,000-60,000 units, the problem won’t be resolved soon. Cork developer, Michael O’Flynn, criticized the political point scoring when it comes to housing and suggested a more collaborative approach. The Government has committed to delivering 300,000 homes by 2030, but opposition parties and Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan have called for urgent measures to protect tenants from eviction.
In conclusion, the housing crisis in Ireland is a complex issue that cannot be solved overnight. With builders warning that it may take decades to fix the housing supply, it is clear that a long-term strategy is needed to address the underlying causes of the crisis. While the government has already taken some measures to increase the supply of housing, more needs to be done to ensure that affordable and accessible homes are available for all. It is important that policymakers, builders, and other stakeholders work together to find sustainable solutions that will benefit both current and future generations of Irish citizens. Only then will we be able to build the kind of inclusive and prosperous communities that we all deserve.
