Sinn Féin housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has said that today’s Central Bank commentary is further evidence of the need for a radical reset of housing policy. He said that Sinn Féin’s alternative housing plan is that radical reset to deliver the most ambitious housing programme in the history of the state and to bring home ownership back into the reach of working people.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“Today’s Central Bank commentary on housing confirms the growing gap between what is needed to fix the housing crisis and what the Government is delivering.

“The report estimates that between 52,000 and 67,000 new homes a year are needed to meet existing and emerging need over the next decade or more. This is broadly in line with the Housing Commission recommendation of 60,000 new homes a year over the next 10 years to meet pent up demand as quickly as possible.

“The report also confirms that this year’s housing output is likely to be similar to last year’s 32,000 new homes, despite Government Ministers trying to suggest we can reach 40,000 this year.

“The report also highlights the challenges around planning, funding and workforce productivity, all of which the Government has done little to address.

“Yet again, the Taoiseach’s promises to deliver housing have been exposed as nothing more than rhetoric. While he has soundbites and spin, Sinn Féin actually has a plan.

“As Sinn Féin has set out in our alternative Housing Plan, A Home of Your Own, we need a radical reset of housing policy along with greater ambition and greater direct state investment. Our plan would bring the dream of home ownership back into the reach of working people.

“Unfortunately, there is little evidence that the current Government is up for that reset or willing to accept the key recommendations of either the Housing Commission report or those contained in the Central Bank commentary today.

“Sinn Féin is committed to ending Ireland’s housing crisis. We will deliver the most ambitious public housing programme in the history of the state to ensure that everyone has a home of their own.”