Key worker housing plan proposed by councillor

A pioneering proposal to tackle Dublin’s key worker crisis will go before Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council next month.

If approved, it could see the first pilot scheme in Ireland providing affordable accommodation specifically for essential frontline staff — including nurses, teachers, gardaí and firefighters.

The motion, put forward by Fine Gael County Councillor for Glencullen–Sandyford, Pierce Dargan, aims to address what he describes as a “worsening crisis” that is making it harder for key workers to live and work in Dublin.

“Given the changes in legislation that were passed at the end of 2024,” Cllr. Dargan said, “it is my understanding after speaking with Council officials that this provides some amendments to the cost rental legislation which will allow for an allocation for selection of tenants.

“This means when the County Council is the landlord it will be a reserve function, within councillors’ power, to decide whether to deliver key worker affordable accommodation.”

The motion calls on the Council’s Chief Executive to develop and implement a pilot scheme, making Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown the first local authority in the country to directly provide affordable housing targeted at frontline workers.

Cllr. Dargan says the idea is long overdue.

“I think it is clear we need more key workers, nurses, gardaí, teachers and firefighters across Dublin and providing affordable accommodation is the solution to this worsening crisis.”

A recent RED C survey, carried out in December 2024, backs up the urgency.

It found that 89% of Dubliners believe high rental costs are the biggest barrier to attracting and retaining key workers in the city.

Additionally, 86% expressed concern about the broader social and economic consequences of these shortages.

Cllr Dargan believes affordable housing is the most direct way to make Dublin a viable place for key workers to live, especially in light of escalating rents.

“The cost of renting for key workers is the main reason why the city of Dublin is seeing a shortage of gardaí, nurses and teachers,” he said.

While this would be a first for Ireland, key worker accommodation schemes are already operating successfully in cities across Europe.

Cllr. Dargan pointed to models in London, Paris and Budapest as inspiration.

“Certain London County Councils, such as Richmond Upon Thames, provide affordable rent schemes for teachers, police, NHS staff, and fire fighters.

“In Paris a large portion of social stock is allocated for teachers, nurses and firefighters.

“There are key worker affordable accommodation schemes in cities in Eastern Europe as well such as Budapest,” he said.

“It is time Dublin starts offering affordable accommodation to help to attract and retain key workers.”

The motion is expected to be brought before councillors at a meeting in June.

If passed, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown could soon become the model for a wider national rollout, offering some long-overdue relief to the workers who keep the city going.