The government must accept its housing plan is a disaster and adopt a radically different approach, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne, who was speaking ahead of this evening’s Raise the Roof protest.
Deputy Hearne said:
“This government claims that housing is their highest priority, but where is the evidence of that?
“House prices, rents and homelessness are all at record highs. Meanwhile, its policy announcements – like its proposed reform of the rental sector – are equal parts chaotic and shambolic.
“The Housing Minister is making policy on the fly, unable to produce a coherent plan, all the while pandering to investment funds while renters and those without a home pay the price.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have spent a decade turning a housing crisis into a housing disaster – and instead of changing approach, they are doubling down on failure.
“This evening outside the Dáil at 6pm, the Social Democrats will be supporting the Raise the Roof demonstration, demanding genuine and urgent action to tackle the housing crisis.
“The protest will run concurrently with a cross-party motion, backed by the Social Democrats, Sinn Fein, Labour, People Before Profit and the Green Party, which details a list of urgently needed policy proposals.
“The government must listen to protestors and commit to a radical reset of policy – a system which prioritises renters and people who want to own their own home, not investment funds.”
June 17th, 2025