Irish Examiner View: Lack of direct-build social homes nothing short of depressing

It has emerged that just 647 new direct-build social homes were completed across the country in the first six months of this year, with 11 local authorities failing to build any at all.

We are in the midst of a housing catastrophe.

At a time when  housing is front and centre of practically every pronouncement made by any Coalition Government minister, it seems almost incredible that so many local authorities in this country have this year contributed precisely zero new direct-build social homes.

That three of the four such authorities are in Dublin, where housing needs are greatest, is almost beyond credibility, but with councils in places such Galway City and county, as well as counties Sligo, Longford, Louth, Roscommon, Mayo, and Kildare, where the needs are not as numerous but no less pressing, also failing to deliver any new homes, the national picture is nothing short of depressing.