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The Government’s disastrous handling of housing has resulted in house prices increasing by nearly 40 per cent since it took office, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “According to the latest figures published by Daft.ie, asking prices for homes across the country rose by 3.1 […]

The latest homelessness figures show the tragic consequences of 13 years of Fine Gael-led governments, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “There are now 14,486 people living in homeless emergency accommodation – the highest ever recorded in the history of the State. “Shockingly, 4,419 […]

Social Democrats councillor Joan Hopkins has expressed concern after it was reported that a majority of homes bulk purchased in a Swords housing estate by Ryanair earlier this year remain vacant. Cllr Hopkins, who is the party’s general election candidate in Dublin Fingal East, said: “Last January, people were shocked when it emerged that the […]

There is an urgent need to properly regulate the bidding process to protect first-time buyers, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “Bank of Ireland have reported that the average homebuyer is now paying 10 per cent above the asking price. This is incredibly disheartening for […]

While it’s clear we need to increase housing delivery, it’s also vital that we maximise the use of existing properties, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The annual report into the performance of local authorities published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) paints […]

New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that rising house prices are locking a generation out of homeownership, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said: “The price of a home has increased by 9.6 per cent in just one year. “The median price for […]

The latest report on housing from the Central Bank has shown up the empty promises of this Government as we head into a general election, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “Both Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister Darragh O’Brien repeatedly claim that 40,000 new […]

Government party differences over what measures are needed to discourage vulture funds from bulk buying homes have been described as an unwelcome distraction from the real issues by Rory Hearne, the Social Democrats’ general election candidate in Dublin North-West. Dr Hearne, who is a lecturer, author and housing campaigner, said: “What we heard from a […]

The latest homelessness figures have shown the devastating consequences of this Government’s housing failures, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said: “There are now 14,429 people living in homeless emergency accommodation – the highest ever recorded in the history of the State. “Shockingly, 4,401 of […]

New figures again highlight the enormous mountain that individuals and families have to climb if they want to buy a home, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “Confirmation today that fewer than 60 percent of new homes are available to buy is further evidence of dysfunction in our housing system. “The situation is […]