News

A report published by the Department of Finance highlights the extent to which investment funds are hoovering up new apartments, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Last year, just 846 apartments were purchased by individuals and families, while 6,203 were bought up by investment funds […]

Today’s release of affordable housing completions shows that this Government is incapable of meeting its targets – targets that were not nearly ambitious enough in the first place, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Just 166 affordable purchase homes have been delivered in the first […]

Skyrocketing house prices are locking a generation out of homeownership, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The cost of buying a home has increased by a further 10.1 per cent in the past 12 months, according to the latest Residential Property Price Index from the […]

The Social Democrats have revealed ambitious plans for the delivery of tens of thousands of affordable homes over a five-year period. Details of the fully costed proposals are outlined in the party’s new policy document, ‘Homes Within Reach – Our Plan for Affordable Housing’, which was launched in Dublin today (Monday, October 14). The policy […]

A derisory 5 per cent increase in stamp duty on bulk purchases will continue to facilitate investment funds snapping up homes at the expense of first-time buyers, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “Budget 2025 was a golden opportunity to begin the radical change that is needed to fix the housing crisis. Instead, […]

The Government’s disastrous handling of housing has resulted in house prices increasing by nearly 40 per cent since it took office, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “According to the latest figures published by Daft.ie, asking prices for homes across the country rose by 3.1 […]

The latest homelessness figures show the tragic consequences of 13 years of Fine Gael-led governments, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “There are now 14,486 people living in homeless emergency accommodation – the highest ever recorded in the history of the State. “Shockingly, 4,419 […]

The Social Democrats have launched their Alternative Budget 2025 – titled ‘Building Services, Building Communities’ – which focuses on investment in public services to drive down the cost of living, targets support at those who need it most and prioritises children and families. Investing in affordable housing; creating a public model of childcare; increasing parent’s […]

There is an urgent need to properly regulate the bidding process to protect first-time buyers, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Bank of Ireland have reported that the average homebuyer is now paying 10 per cent above the asking price. This is incredibly disheartening for […]

While it’s clear we need to increase housing delivery, it’s also vital that we maximise the use of existing properties, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The annual report into the performance of local authorities published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) paints […]