“Government must immediately publish commission’s report and update their housing targets”

A Northside TD has blasted both the Housing Minister and the Government following the publication of a new report.

Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan says a “damning report” from the Housing Commission is further evidence that the Government’s housing targets are “hopelessly inadequate.”

Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said it is unacceptable that the targets will not be updated until later in the year.

“According to reports today, the Housing Commission estimates that Ireland’s housing deficit from pent-up demand is as high as 256,000 homes,” he said.

“The Government – and the Taoiseach – have known for years that their housing targets are out of date.

“It is completely unacceptable that these targets will not be updated until the autumn, in the dying months of this Government.

“The Minister seems more concerned with meeting out of date targets than setting ones that will meet our housing needs.

“The report also finds that Ireland, by comparison with other European countries, has one of the highest levels of public expenditure for housing, yet one of the poorest outcomes.

“I now call on the Government to immediately update their housing targets and publish the Housing Commission’s report in full – they should not be allowed to sit on it until after the elections.”