EU sharply criticises lack of housing in Ireland

The chronic lack of housing supply in Ireland has been severely criticised by the European Commission.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney’s controversial ‘help-to-buy’ scheme has also been slammed as “counter-productive” by the EU only increasing demand for housing at a time of shortage, while the Government’s rent cap could put off new construction.

The report has found that insufficient housing is causing a surge in homelessness and deterring emigrants from moving back. In its annual staff report on the Irish economy, the European Commission also points to problems in healthcare, water infrastructure, transport, and childcare.