Dermot O'Leary: Pandemic is opportune time to start solving dysfunctional Irish housing

A lack of a long-term housing policy that goes well beyond the five-year electoral cycle has been a contributory factor in the housing crisis

An enormous construction boom and bust occurred in the 1995-2010 period when home completions grew to 90,000 and then collapsed to less than 5,000 in 2011. Picture: Larry Cummins

Ireland has experienced a rolling series of housing boom and bust episodes since the foundation of the State.

It is not alone in this regard, but it is suffered more than most from the consequences of it being unable to maintain stable supply and demand.