Ireland Deputy PM acknowledges challenges in affordable housing plan

DUBLIN, Ireland: Tanaiste Micheal Martin has defended the Government's housing plan, stating that it is making progress in providing more affordable housing.

However, he acknowledged that the fundamental issue remains: housing demand still exceeds supply.

During Leaders' Questions on Thursday, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns criticized the Government for falling short of its affordable housing targets. She pointed out that only 499 affordable purchase and 966 cost-rental homes were delivered last year.

"That is fewer than 1,500 affordable homes when the target was 5,500," she said.

Cairns emphasized that the inability to afford rent or housing prices reflects a failure of the Government and a refusal to admit it. She described the sense of helplessness felt by many people whose life choices are limited by the high cost of housing.

Martin acknowledged the challenges individuals and families face in accessing affordable housing, noting that the housing crisis touches every corner of the country. He reiterated the Government's commitment to addressing the issue through the Housing For All plan, which aims to build new homes to meet demand.

"Ultimately, even though we have delivered 100,000 homes since 2020, it is not enough. Demand is higher than supply, which is leading to a fundamental issue leading to price increases, and huge challenges for people."

Cairns highlighted her party's efforts to propose housing alternatives, including amendments to the government's planning reform bill on affordable housing. She also called for a vacant property tax with more robust enforcement measures.

In response, Martin defended the Government's actions, stating that some of the proposed solutions could reduce housing supply by restricting the market. He emphasized that the Government has already taken steps to limit the bulk purchasing of homes through planning laws.

Despite Cairns' assertion that the Government's approach is not working, Martin insisted that progress is being made. "We have had the highest number of first-time buyers, the highest in years, on an ongoing basis. What does that tell you? It tells you that affordability is improving for quite a number of first-time buyers."

"We have doubled the number of affordable homes this year, and we will continue to increase the direct intervention by the State. It is not spin, Deputy."