COUNTY Limerick TD Richard O’Donoghue believes a housing emergency needs to be declared by the Government to quicken the pace on providing solutions to the current accommodation crisis.
Ahead of Budget 2025, the Independent Ireland TD announced his group’s housing policy, which includes incentivising vacant property developments, achieving affordable rents for tenants, a reduction in VAT on building materials, and additional funding for community and social housing.
“There is a shortage of housing and the few homes that are available remain unaffordable to most people. We all know this is a problem that the government has failed to address. They often claim to be making headway on this issue, but the reality is that the situation continues to worsen,” Deputy O’Donoghue declared.
The only way to address the housing crisis, he insists, is to increase supply, reduces costs, and improves access.
“To accomplish this, we must incentivise new construction and spur property development. The current government has created an entire generation of people who will never achieve homeownership, unless we enact reforms now,” he said.
“We are dedicated to creating vibrant, sustainable communities where people can live, work, and prosper in modern Ireland. Our common-sense policy changes will alleviate many of the challenges currently faced by the Irish housing market and contribute to a more stable and affordable housing environment.”
O’Donoghue, himself a building contractor, said the party’s “common-sense policy changes will alleviate many of the challenges currently faced by the Irish housing market and contribute to a more stable and affordable housing environment.”
