Soc Dems council motion calls for housing to be designated as fundamental human right

A Social Democrats’ motion calling on Dublin City Council to recognise housing as a fundamental human right will be debated by councillors on Monday.

The motion, tabled by South-West Inner City councillor Lesley Byrne, outlines a number of actions the council “must take to enshrine this principle in all its housing policies and actions.”

Byrne’s motion sets out the basic requirements that every home should meet, including habitability, affordability, safety, warmth, ventilation, accessibility and a healthy living environment.

The motion also calls for improvements in the local authority’s house maintenance system to achieve better conditions in all council properties.

If the motion passes, Dublin City Council will be asked to write to the Minister for Housing, requesting the government to hold a referendum on inserting a right to housing into the Constitution.

A referendum to enshrine the right to housing was one of the Greens’ coalition demands following the 2020 general election, but were rebuked by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Rory Hearne TD, the party’s housing spokesperson, said “I commend our councillors on Dublin City Council for submitting this important motion, which, if supported, will compel the country’s largest local authority to treat housing as a fundamental human right – not just a privilege.”

The Dublin North-West TD said “the housing disaster is out of control in Dublin, where there are shameful levels of homelessness. Not only do we have a generation locked out of home ownership, but so many people are struggling to afford the extortionate rents being charged in the capital.”

“Dublin City Council has a responsibility to deliver affordable housing and ensure that the homes it provides are of a decent standard.

“Unless housing is treated by the state as a human right instead of an investment asset, we will continue to go around in circles and never solve this crisis.”

Councillor Lesley Byrne said “housing is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of dignity, health and community life. This motion makes it clear that everyone in our city deserves a safe, warm and secure home, and that the council has a responsibility to uphold that right in practice, not just in principle.”

“By adopting a rights-based approach to housing, we are committing to putting people first in every decision we make.”

North Inner City councillor Daniel Ennis, said, “with rights come responsibilities, and Dublin City Council is responsible for ensuring people are not living in sub-standard conditions in houses and flats that are riddled with damp and mould. The council also needs to guarantee that rents will be kept affordable for those in social housing.”

“It’s a travesty that housing isn’t already recognised as a basic human right. Without a home, the prospect of leading a healthy, fulfilling life is almost impossible.

“I urge my fellow Dublin city councillors to do the right thing and support our motion at Monday night’s meeting.”