Government is out of ideas on tackling housing crisis

Engagement with key stakeholders is welcome but must be followed up with meaningful action A housing conference taking place today paints a picture of a Government desperately scrambling for ideas to tackle the crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Housing spokesperson, said: “While it is welcome to […]

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Latest homelessness figures represent another shameful milestone

Urgent action from the Government is required to tackle homelessness The latest homelessness figures highlight the need for urgent action from the Government to address this housing disaster, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Housing spokesperson, said: “Figures released today show that homelessness has yet again hit record […]

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Rising house prices put dream of home ownership out of reach

Government urgently needs to change tack on housing policy New figures show that home ownership in Ireland has become increasingly out of reach for prospective purchasers, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Housing spokesperson, said: “The latest report from Myhome.ie paints a bleak picture for house-hunters as we […]

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Government has failed to curb rising house prices

Latest figures come just one day after Minister survives confidence motion  The latest national Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) shows that the Government has failed to curb rising house prices, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on Housing, said: “The index increased by 9.8 percent in the […]

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Government Bill will be a regressive step for planning reform

An Bord Pleanála needs to be protected from political interference Legislation being rushed through the Dáil this week has the potential to further erode public confidence in the planning system, according to Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “This regressive Bill seeks to concentrate power in the Minister’s hands when it comes to the appointment […]

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Households dependent on district energy systems can’t afford to heat their homes

Shocking figures show that 20% of social housing residents with pre-paid meters in one district energy block have been cut-off from heating and hot water  Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan has called for immediate State supports for residents reliant on district energy systems after it emerged that some households have been charged extortionate rates […]

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Social Democrats have no confidence in Minister for Housing

Halfway through this Government’s term, all key housing statistics are pointing in the wrong direction Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan has confirmed that his party will be voting against tomorrow’s Government motion expressing confidence in Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Housing spokesperson, said: “We are now halfway through this Government’s […]

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Rent Pressure Zones must be extended as part of regulation of short-term lets

Overdue regulation of short-term lets must include proper enforcement The Government’s long overdue announcement of plans to regulate the short-term letting market must include a nationwide extension of Rent Pressure Zones, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Housing spokesperson, said: “With homelessness numbers, house prices and rents all […]

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Contraction in residential building is further proof that Government’s housing plan is not working

Focus needs to shift to the delivery of social, affordable purchase and cost-rental homes Figures published by the Central Statistics Office showing a contraction in residential building activity for the third quarter of this year is further proof that the Government’s housing plan is not working, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, […]

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Exodus of landlords underlines urgent need to regulate short-term lets

Landlords are leaving the rental market in their droves, with 43,000 properties lost in five years The mass exodus of landlords from the rental market further highlights the urgent need for regulation of short-term letting platforms, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on Housing, said: “Reports today […]

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