New homes ‘will not be ready for 2 years’

Focus Ireland has welcomed the €2.2bn social housing investment over the next three years, but warned that a clear and urgent short-term response was needed to stem the homeless and housing crisis.

Mike Allen, Focus Ireland director of advocacy, said that despite the massive investment programme unveiled, the first new homes will not be delivered for nearly two years.

“This investment is very welcome, but the fact remains that it does nothing today for the more than 350 families who have become homeless in Dublin alone so far this year and the 40 to 50 families who will sadly lose their homes and become homeless this month,” said Mr Allen.