Bold initiatives required to address nation’s housing crisis

The Housing Agency’s first National Statement highlights the difficulties besetting efforts to house people. But as Rory Hearne points out, few practical solutions are offered.

The Housing Agency’s first National Statement of Housing Supply and Demand provides a much-needed overview of the current housing system in Ireland.

The statement highlights the multiple crises such as the 3,143 people living in emergency accommodation; 89,872 households on the social housing waiting list; and the 104,693 households in mortgage arrears. It also highlights the escalation in private rents and the increasing issues of affordability for those looking to buy a home.