A Social Democrats\u2019 motion calling on Dublin City Council to recognise housing as a fundamental human right will be debated by councillors on Monday.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It sets out the basic requirements that every home should meet, including habitability, affordability, safety, warmth, ventilation, accessibility and a healthy living environment. The motion also calls for improvements in the local authority\u2019s house maintenance system to achieve better conditions in all council properties.<\/p>\n
If the motion passes, Dublin City Council will be asked to write to the Minister requesting the government to hold a referendum on inserting a right to housing into the Constitution.<\/p>\n
Rory Hearne TD, the party\u2019s housing spokesperson, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cI commend our councillors on Dublin City Council for submitting this important motion, which, if supported, will compel the country\u2019s largest local authority to treat housing as a fundamental human right \u2013 not just a privilege.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe housing disaster is out of control in Dublin, where there are shameful levels of homelessness. Not only do we have a generation locked out of home ownership, but so many people are struggling to afford the extortionate rents being charged in the capital.<\/p>\n
\u201cDublin City Council has a responsibility to deliver affordable housing and ensure that the homes it provides are of a decent standard.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnless housing is treated by the State as a human right instead of an investment asset, we will continue to go around in circles and never solve this crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cllr Lesley Byrne said:<\/p>\n
\u201cHousing is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of dignity, health and community life. This motion makes it clear that everyone in our city deserves a safe, warm and secure home, and that the council has a responsibility to uphold that right in practice, not just in principle.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy adopting a rights-based approach to housing, we are committing to putting people first in every decision we make.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cllr Daniel Ennis, who will be the party\u2019s candidate in the upcoming Dublin Central by-election, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cWith rights come responsibilities, and Dublin City Council is responsible for ensuring people are not living in sub-standard conditions in houses and flats that are riddled with damp and mould. The council also needs to guarantee that rents will be kept affordable for those in social housing.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s a travesty that housing isn’t already recognised as a basic human right. Without a home, the prospect of leading a healthy, fulfilling life is almost impossible.<\/p>\n
\u201cI urge my fellow Dublin city councillors to do the right thing and support our motion at Monday night\u2019s meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n
January 9, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A Social Democrats\u2019 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":14974,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[725,663,10,794,7,510],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14973","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dublin","category-homelessness","category-housing-crisis","category-lesley-byrne","category-press-release","category-rory-hearne"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n