The Social Democrats have revealed ambitious plans for the delivery of tens of thousands of affordable homes over a five-year period.
Details of the fully costed proposals are outlined in the party’s new policy document, ‘Homes Within Reach – Our Plan for Affordable Housing’, which was launched in Dublin today (Monday, October 14).
The policy sets out how, in government, the Social Democrats would deliver 50,000 affordable purchase homes and 25,000 affordable rental homes over five years. This will be in addition to social and private sector delivery.
Under the plan, affordable purchase homes will be sold for under €300,000 in Dublin and for less than €260,000 outside the capital, with buyers owning 100 per cent of their home and the land on which it is built. These costings will regularly be revised on the basis of building cost inflation.
Speaking at the launch, Cian O’Callaghan TD, the party’s housing spokesperson, said:
“It should not be as hard as it is now to get a home of your own, whether you want to rent or buy. Everyone should have access to a safe, secure, high-quality home that they can afford.
“Ireland has the land and the money to achieve what we have proposed in our affordable housing plan. What we need is a government that is willing and capable to get the job done.”
Dr Rory Hearne, academic, author and the party’s general election candidate in Dublin North-West, said:
“In previous generations, when we had far fewer resources, the State was able to build tens of thousands of homes in communities that are still thriving today. There is no good reason we cannot do the same now.
“The Government claims to be delivering affordable housing, but the reality is seen in developments like Oscar Traynor Woods in Coolock, where first-time buyers will be paying up to €475,000 for a three-bedroom home.
“On what planet is half a million euro considered an affordable home?”
Ellen Murphy, the Social Democrats general election candidate in Dublin West, said:
“As a young person in my early thirties, I am part of a generation faced with the prospect of living indefinitely in the childhood bedroom I grew up in. I am far from alone – there are more than 500,000 adults around the country in my position.
“There has to be a better way, which is why the Social Democrats have launched their affordable housing policy today. We need to vote for parties that will put the needs of those locked out of homeownership before the interests of big developers and investment funds.”
October 14, 2024
Full text of affordable housing policy here