The Government is continuing to ignore practical solutions to the housing crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said:
“People across Ireland are suffering the consequences of a chronic lack of affordable housing.
“Rents are at record levels, houses prices are higher than their Celtic Tiger peak, over half a million adults are stuck living in their childhood bedrooms, while nearly 4,000 children are growing up homeless.
“Our planning system is key to delivering desperately needed affordable homes.
“I put forward an amendment to the Planning and Development Bill to introduce a specific zoning for affordable housing. This is a key feature of housing delivery in Vienna, one of the most affordable places to live in Europe.
“Creating a zoning for affordable housing would mean that only genuinely affordable homes could be built on specific areas of land.
“For example, if industrial land was rezoned for affordable housing, a maximum price per square metre would be set on the homes built on that land.
“This would ensure these homes remain affordable for future generations, even when the initial occupiers moved on.
“This Government has cited the Vienna model as a guiding principle for its housing plans but has voted down this practical step to make it a reality.
“Their lip service to solutions will not put a roof over anyone’s head. This vote represents a missed opportunity to create positive change in our planning system.”
March 20, 2024