Work on housing projects has decreased for the fifth consecutive month – in response to this decline, the government introduced a housing budget which its own Parliamentary Budget Office declared lacked evidence
The coalition’s actions, or lack thereof, indicate that it’s out of ideas when it comes to tackling the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne.
The Dublin North-West TD noted “the government’s revised housing plan was to be published in July – in June, the Taoiseach said it had been pushed out until September, and when September came, the Tánaiste announced it had been delayed until October.
“Micheál Martin and Simon Harris have spent the last three months passing responsibility between themselves – what’s remained a constant, however, is their rudderless approach to housing policy and their criticism of local authorities to absolve themselves of any blame.
“We’re now a week out from the budget, halfway through the month of October, and there is no sign of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s housing plan – the Tánaiste has not been forthcoming about what stage cabinet discussions on the matter have reached.
“Instaed, Harris has said that ‘in many ways,’ the government has ‘started the housing plan’ already by introducing measures before the its final publication.
“Are measures like funnelling half a billion euro in tax payers’ money to provide cuts for multi-millionaire investor funds and developers meant to represent progress?
“Does the government truly believe wasting €640 million on apartments that are already being built and eradicating rent controls is going to increase the supply and affordability of homes and tackle record-high homelessness?
“Work on housing projects has decreased for the fifth consecutive month – in response to this decline, the government introduced a housing budget which its own Parliamentary Budget Office declared lacked evidence.
“If the damning effects of this housing crisis are to be eased, the government must adopt radically new ideas – the Social Democrats published proposals in our alternative budget for a €120 million modular homes factory to produce up to 2,000 homes every year, as well as setting aside an initial €20 million to start up a State-owned construction company.
“Until the government ceases to preach to the choir of landlords, developers and vultures it keeps in tow, the outlook for the provision of affordable housing in this country will continue to deteriorate.
“The Taoiseach – or Tánaiste, whichever is due to shoulder the blame this week – must immediately clarify when the government’s revised housing plan will be published.”