Doherty appointed to new European Housing Committee

Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, Regina Doherty has appointed to the new European Parliament Housing Committee.

The special committee was formed after a vote of the Parliament on the 18^th of December and is the first time a committee at a European level will examine housing challenges. The Fine Gael MEP will be the only full member of the committee from Dublin.

Speaking after her appointment, Doherty said “I am honoured to have been appointed to this important committee and am eager to get to work. Housing is a big issue that needs big solutions, and so we must work on these at a European level. From making it easier to build by addressing shortages in tradespeople, to more efficient supply chains and easier access to financing, there is a lot the European Union can do to help build houses.

“The housing crisis is not just limited to Dublin or Ireland, it’s prevalent in varying degrees right across the European Union. The European Union exists to make its citizens lives better, increasing home ownership is a big part of that.

“While not traditionally something that the European Union has had a role in, the European elections last year made it loud and clear that people in Dublin want Europe to do more. I am eager to play a role on their behalf in this significant committee.

“I want to ensure that the committee looks at best practice solutions from across the European Union, but that specific challenges relevant to Ireland are comprehensively understood. Home ownership is an important and crucial part of our housing system, moreso than in some other European countries. This committee must seriously tackle the difficulties around home ownership and the need to work towards a housing market where normal people in normal jobs can afford a home of their own.