News

In 2005, almost 600 people took up apprenticeships to become a brick layer – this year, that figure is just 63  The government has failed to address a chronic skills deficit in the construction industry, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “Prof John Fitzgerald has warned the government will have to choose between […]

While the Minister dithers, the crisis deepens The government’s failure to tackle the rental crisis means rents have continued to surge, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “Today’s daft.ie report reveals the abject failure of this government to tackle the rental crisis. Rents climbed by an average annual rate of 5.6pc in the second quarter […]

Our antiquated electricity grid cannot sustain the uncontrolled proliferation of data centres The government must introduce a moratorium on the construction of new data centres if it wants to reach its emission reduction targets, according to Social Democrats Climate Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. “The growth of data centres in Ireland, and the consequent increased demand on […]

The government must move from climate rhetoric to climate action Today’s landmark report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a stark reminder that time is running out to avert a climate catastrophe, according to Social Democrats Climate Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. “The IPCC report is a stark reminder that time is running out […]

Has Nphet been consulted about the proposed revision to the guidelines? The government has sacrificed its own public health guidelines in an effort to save Tánaiste Leo Varadkar’s political skin, according to Social Democrats co-leader Róisín Shortall. “The government spent weeks in negotiations with the hospitality industry, about the rules that should apply to their […]

This decision is a huge blow to the delivery of safe cycling infrastructure in the South city Dublin City Council should appeal the High Court decision on the Strand Road cycle lane, according to Social Democrats councillors on Dublin City Council. Councillor Catherine Stocker said: “This decision is a huge blow to the delivery of […]

Instead of a myopic focus on deficit reduction, the government must focus on deficits in infrastructure The EU Fiscal rules are an anachronistic relic from an austerity era and must be reformed if Ireland’s economy is to rebound as we emerge from the pandemic, according to Social Democrats Finance Spokesperson Róisín Shortall. “The Summer Economic […]

It is clear the Government’s policies are failing renters New research from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) shows out-of-control rents are unsustainable and unconscionable, according to according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “Research by the RTB shows rents are out of control. Half of all renters pay more than 30pc of their take-home […]

The planning process must not be short circuited Following the announcement that the government is to replace the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process with streamlined arrangements for large-scale residential developments (LSRDs), Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan said: “It is vitally important that the Government learns lessons from the failed Strategic Housing Development process. These […]

Serious questions must now be asked about the  real intent driving these changes The government’s last-minute amendments to the Climate Action Bill have compromised the legislation, according to Social Democrats Climate Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. On Friday, the government introduced a series of amendments to the Bill in the Seanad which will be voted on in […]