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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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

The latest report from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) paints a bleak picture for first-time buyers, 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 in Ireland has increased by 7.3 per cent in the 12 months to March 2024. The median […]

The latest Rent Index report from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is further evidence that rents in Ireland are out of control, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Someone looking for a place to rent is now paying an average of €1,595 per month, rising […]

The Government is sending out mixed messages on whether it intends to increase the stamp duty rate on the bulk purchase of homes by investment firms, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “In 2021, the Government introduced a 10 per cent stamp duty rate in […]