Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are turning Ireland into a nation of renters, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said:
“The vast majority of new apartments are only available to rent at exorbitant prices.
“While renting suits some, most people would rather live in a place of their own. The 2023 Threshold Tenant Sentiment survey found that only 17 per cent of respondents were renting by choice.
“This is why I put forward an amendment to the Planning and Development Bill that would ringfence 50 per cent of all new apartment developments for individuals and families to buy.
“The bill, as it currently stands, specifies the need for houses and duplexes to be provided for owner occupiers but inexplicably leaves out apartments.
“Figures show that 72 per cent of the homes built in Dublin last year were apartments, with very few of these available for individuals and families to buy.
“Ireland is being turned into a nation of renters where people have to sacrifice huge portions of their income just to keep a roof over their heads.
“This Government is creating a ticking timebomb of a generation who will not be able to afford these exorbitant rents when they retire.
“It is baffling that Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens have rejected this amendment at a time when homeownership is at its lowest level in over 50 years.
“The so-called parties of homeownership should hang their heads in shame.”
April 18, 2024