Shocking rise in number of rough sleepers is a result of failed Government housing policy

The large number of people sleeping rough in Dublin is a damning indictment of the Government’s failed housing policy, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “New data from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive shows that 128 people were sleeping rough over the week of April […]

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Home ownership increasingly out of reach for ordinary workers

New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that house prices have become increasingly out of reach for ordinary workers, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “House prices increased by 7.9 per cent in the 12 months to April 2024. “The median price of […]

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EU-wide solutions to vacancy and dereliction must be found

There needs to be EU-wide discussions on the most effective measures to tackle the issue of vacant homes and dereliction, according to Rory Hearne, the Social Democrats’ European Election candidate in Midlands-North-West. Mr Hearne, a prominent housing campaigner, author and academic, made his comments after viewing derelict buildings in Leixlip, Co Kildare, with Cllr Nuala […]

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O’Callaghan expresses concern at drop in allocation of housing adaptation grants

Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan has expressed concern after new figures show that Government funding for housing adaptation grants have not kept pace with the rise in Ireland’s ageing population. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “The funding allocation announced by the Department of Local Government shows that 13,000 grants will […]

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Over 14,000 people homeless for first time in history of the State

Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan has responded to figures published today showing that the number of people living in homeless accommodation has risen above 14,000 for the first time. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “There are now 14,009 people living in homeless emergency accommodation – the highest ever recorded in the […]

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ESRI report exposes the human cost of failed housing policy

Failed Government housing policy is having a major impact on the physical and mental health of families, according to Rory Hearne, the Social Democrats’ Midlands-North-West candidate in the European Elections. Mr Hearne, who is a housing campaigner, author and lecturer, said: “Today’s ESRI report lays bare the human cost of the housing crisis. The study […]

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Housing Commission report shows that Government have their heads in the sand

A damning report from the Housing Commission highlights how the Government rejected a long list of practical solutions to the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The report from the Housing Commission presents a scathing picture of this Government’s ‘ineffective decision making and […]

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Damning Housing Commission report is further evidence of failed Government policy

A damning report from the Housing Commission is further evidence that the Government’s housing targets are hopelessly inadequate, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “According to reports today, the Housing Commission estimates that Ireland’s housing deficit from pent-up demand is as high as 256,000 homes. […]

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Government failing to protect vulnerable renters from sexual exploitation

The Government is failing vulnerable tenants by not introducing promised legislation to make demanding sex for rent a criminal offence, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “A new report from the National Women’s Council (NWC) has called for legislation to criminalise sex for rent. “It […]

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