Tonight’s RTÉ Prime Time special will shed important light on the lived experiences of Ireland’s locked out generation, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said:
“Too often, the housing crisis is viewed through the bleak figures and statistics we have unfortunately become so accustomed to. However, the ‘Going Nowhere’ report to be broadcast this evening will put human faces on some of the half a million-plus adults in Ireland who are still living with their parents.
“The programme will outline first-hand the frustrations felt by many of those still sleeping in the childhood bedrooms they grew up. The impact on their lives and mental wellbeing cannot be underestimated.
“This scandalous situation is preventing people from leading independent lives, making it hard for them to sustain relationships and forcing some couples to delay plans to start a family of their own.
“Since this Government came to office, home ownership levels have fallen to their lowest level in more than 50 years. This is hardly surprising when you consider how difficult it is to save for a deposit for a home while paying extortionate rents.
“Earlier this month, the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) revealed that just 523 of the 9,100 apartments built in Dublin last year were available for purchase by individual buyers. Government housing policy is turning Ireland into a nation of renters, putting the dream of home ownership further out of reach.
“To give hope to this locked out generation, it is clear that it is going take a change of government – a government that will have a laser focus on ramping up the delivery of affordable purchase, social and cost-rental homes, and one that will put the needs of ordinary people ahead of wealthy investors.”
March 19, 2024