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The Social Democrats have accused Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien of being “in denial” on the impact the Government’s shared equity scheme could have on the cost of housing. Social Democrats Spokesperson on Housing, Cian O’Callaghan TD says the Minister needs to face up to facts. “When criticisms on the Government’s proposed shared equity scheme are coming […]

The Social Democrats believe that the Defence Forces Review is an opportunity for the Government to evolve Ireland’s entire defence and security framework in order to meet future challenges. Cian O’Callaghan TD, Social Democrats Spokesperson for Defence said on this: “Since the foundation of the modern Irish State, the Irish Defence Forces have put themselves […]

Speaking at the Social Democrats’ online National Conference today, Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan TD said: “According to the ESRI, Central Bank mortgage lending rules have kept house prices 9% lower than they otherwise would have been. While there are prudent reasons for restrictions on mortgage lending, these are being undermined by a flood of investment […]

Speaking at the Social Democrats’ online National Conference today, Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan TD said: “The Minister for Housing must scrap his ill-thought-out proposals to introduce shared equity loans. These loans, which were lobbied for by developers, will lead to house price inflation. Senior officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the ESRI […]

Commenting on Government proposals for an equity loans scheme, Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan TD said: “The Minister for Housing is burying his head in the sand and ignoring numerous warnings that his proposed equity loans scheme will push up house prices. “Serious warnings and reservations about the Minister’s proposed equity loan scheme have […]

In the Dáil today, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Bay North, Cian O’Callaghan, called on the Taoiseach to intervene in resolving the delay in starting the Stardust Inquest. Deputy O’Callaghan asked if the Minister for Justice would meet with the families’ legal representative to resolve the issue of funding so that the inquest can begin. […]

Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan TD has called for the Land Development Agency Bill to be amended so that 100% of the homes built on public land are affordable or social. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “If the Minister for Housing is committed to providing affordable homes for first-time buyers, he would ensure that 100% of […]

Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan TD has expressed serious concerns about the Land Development Bill which will be debated in the Dáil tomorrow. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “The Land Development Agency Bill will facilitate the privatisation of public land through the back door. This will drive up the cost of homes built on public land. […]

The Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan TD has urged the Minister for Housing to rethink and redesign his affordable housing plans, in particular the shared equity loans. Deputy O’Callaghan said: “The experts are now lining up to tell the Minister for Housing that some of his affordable housing plans will actually make housing more […]

Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan TD has welcomed the announcement by Fingal County Council of a new affordable housing scheme at Dun Emer in Lusk, which he believes should be replicated nationwide. The scheme will be offered in partnership with Ó Cualann Cohousing Alliance, with prices ranging from €166,000 for a two-bed apartment to […]