Housing crisis affecting Dublin businesses, says Doolan

Daithí Doolan, Sinn Féin Leader on Dublin City Council and European election candidate for Dublin, has said that the housing crisis is affecting the growth of Dublin businesses.

Speaking at a meeting of the Sandyford Business District, Doolans said that the lack of affordable homes to buy or rent is “increasingly becoming a barrier for Dublin businesses attracting and retaining workers.”

He called on Government parties to “get to grips with the housing crisis” by “ramping up the supply of affordable homes.”

Doolan stated that demand for housing is “far outpacing” supply, and the housing crisis is getting worse with each year Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael remain in office.

Central Statistic Office figures show that house prices have risen by 6% nationwide year-on-year, with new house prices increasing by 9% in that same time period.

“For so many workers, the dream of owning their own home is slipping ever further from reach,” he said.

“This is putting a real strain on businesses attracting and retaining workers, and that is a message that was reinforced once again when I met with Sandyford Business District.”

Doolan warned that if Ireland doesn’t get a grip on the housing crisis, it would start to affect Irish economic growth.

“Businesses are struggling to fill key positions due to lack of housing supply, which in turn will undermine Ireland’s ability to be an attractive place for companies to invest and grow,” he said.

“It is affecting workers and families right across the board, with many Gardaí, nurses, teachers and other workers either having to turn down work due to lack of suitable accommodation nearby or else face long and exhausting commutes.

“The consequence of failing to deliver the necessary supply of affordable homes, combined with inflationary developer subsidies, is driving house price inflation here in Dublin and right across the state.

“Delivering on housing would be the number one priority of a Sinn Féin government. Only a general election, a change of government, and a new housing plan can begin to unravel the damage of decades of bad Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael housing policy.”