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Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne has described the increase in the number of older adults falling into homelessness as a ticking timebomb for the State. Deputy Hearne was responding to today’s publication of a report by the Simon Communities of Ireland examining older people’s experiences of homelessness. He said: “This report highlights significant gaps […]

A Social Democrats’ motion calling on Dublin City Council to recognise housing as a fundamental human right was carried last night. The motion, tabled by Cllr Lesley Byrne, outlined a number of actions the council must take to enshrine this principle in all its housing policies and actions. Speaking on the matter, Social Democrats housing […]

A Social Democrats’ motion calling on Dublin City Council to recognise housing as a fundamental human right will be debated by councillors on Monday. The motion, tabled by Cllr Lesley Byrne, outlines a number of actions the council must take to enshrine this principle in all its housing policies and actions. It sets out the […]

The publication of the latest homelessness figures today represents the worst possible start to 2026 for those at the sharp edge of the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “Another grim record has been set for homelessness under Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael. Today […]

The scrapping of the plan to introduce a cap on the value of homes eligible for the State’s vacant property grant is a backwards step in affordable housing provision, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “The government has failed to cap the value of homes that are eligible for the […]

Government decisions are a core barrier to the development of the infrastructure essential for housing provision, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “The Government is trying to ignore that it has been decades of underinvestment, poor delivery, management and planning by successive Fianna Fail and Fine Gael governments that has […]

The government is continuing to ignore proposals that would deliver homes in favour of the same old doomed policies, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “One year ago, on the day of General Election 2024, the number of people in emergency accommodation was 14,996. That figure today is 16,766. “Shockingly, […]

Social Democrats Dublin City Councillors will oppose the City Budget on Monday as it would have a disproportionate impact on the city’s most vulnerable renters, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “There is a deficit in local authority funding, especially when measured against the long list of responsibilities, projects and […]

The removal of annual targets from the government’s housing plan shows they have no confidence in it, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “This latest housing plan from this government is even worse than I had feared. No new ideas, no ambition – not even any annual targets. “The removal […]

A deaf ear is being turned by the government to those suffering from the plight of homelessness, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne. Deputy Hearne said: “The homelessness crisis is undeniable – my office receives a vast volume of representation requests every day from people who are in or at immediate risk of […]