Supply alone won’t solve the housing crisis – Ó Broin

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has said that Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy’s narrow focus on housing supply will not address the social and affordable housing crisis.

Deputy Ó Broin said:

“Minister Murphy’s mantra on tackling the housing crisis has been ‘supply, supply, supply’ with little or no mention on how to ensure that this new supply remains affordable.

“Supply of both social and private houses remains glacial. Supply of affordable houses is non-existent. Yet, every time the Minister is asked to explain how he intends to address the housing crisis, he says supply is the answer.

“Supply on its own, without a guarantee of affordability and an adequate supply of social housing, will not address the crisis.

“The CSO supply figures show that in 2017 a total of 14,446 new dwellings were completed. The figures for the first six months of 2018 show that there were 7,909 new dwellings built.

“Considering Rebuilding Ireland commits to delivering 25,000 new homes per year the government has not even hit half its target in the first six months of the year.

“The CSO figures also show that the number of new dwelling completions was highest in Dublin at 1,804 with most of the new homes completed in Dublin 15 which includes the areas of Castleknock, Blanchardstown, and Clonee.

“A glance at new home sales on Daft.ie this morning indicates that there are new homes being built on 17 sites across the Dublin 15 area. For example, the cost of new builds in Hamilton Park, Castleknock are between €485,000 and €520,000.

“Asking prices for new builds in Summerseat Estate, Clonee range between €240,000 for a two bed apartment to €350,000 for end of terrace three bed.

“So, while some new homes are being built alright, virtually nothing is affordable for an average working family.”