Skyrocketing house prices are locking a generation out of home ownership, 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 has increased by a further 6.1 per cent in the past 12 months, according to the latest Residential Property Price Index from the CSO.
“First-time buyers are now facing median house prices of €330,000 nationwide, rising to a staggering €445,000 in Dublin. Is it any wonder there are over half a million adults stuck living in their childhood bedrooms?
“A highly educated and skilled generation is once again being pushed out of Ireland but this time it is not for a lack of work. They are leaving because of the housing crisis – a crisis that should have been addressed a long time ago.
“This is having a devastating impact on all aspects of our society as nurses, teachers, gardaí and other workers can no longer afford to settle down here.
“There are practical solutions to address this affordability crisis which I have brought forward as amendments to the Planning and Development Bill.
“These include the introduction of a specific zoning for affordable housing. This would mean that only genuinely affordable homes could be built on specific areas of land. This is a key feature of housing delivery in Vienna, one of the most affordable places to live in Europe.
“The Government inexcusably rejected this proposal without any clear reasoning.
“A merry-go-round of Taoisigh pursuing the same failing policies will do nothing to bring down the cost of buying a home.
“The locked-out generation need a new housing plan – and a new Government.”
April 17, 2024