Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has accused the government of ‘adding insult to injury on housing’.

The Dublin MidWest TD was commenting in response to claims by Fine Gael that their housing plan is working.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“With just four days left in the election campaign, Fine Gael are desperately trying to convince people that their housing plan is working.

“But social media spin can’t conceal the facts. Fine Gael have been in government for 13 years and during that time the housing crisis has gone from bad to worse.

“By claiming that their plan is working, they are adding insult to injury for all those struggling to put an affordable roof over their heads.

“House prices have increased by more than 50%, with new homes in Dublin and the commuter belt costing on average over €400,000. Rents have increased by more than 100% with average rents across the state at €1800 and in Dublin at almost €2500.

“Meanwhile, the delivery of social and affordable housing has been totally inadequate. The government’s targets are too low and they are not being met.

“Worse still, too many of the so-called affordable homes that are being delivered are simply unaffordable.

“In Dublin, homes delivered through the government’s Affordable Housing Fund can cost as much as €565,000 while Land Development Agency cost rents range from €1400 for a one-bed to almost €1800 for a three-bed.

“The consequences of Fine Gael’s failed housing policy are everywhere to be seen. Record levels of homelessness including child and pensioner homelessness. Home ownership at its lowest levels in a generation. An entire generation of young people locked out of affordable housing and being forced to emigrate. A growing number of people approaching pension age living in an expensive and insecure private rental sector.

“Fine Gael have had their chance to fix housing. But along with Fianna Fáil they have squandered that chance and with it the hopes and dreams of tens of thousands of people.

“This Friday, when people go to the polls, they have an opportunity to pass verdict on Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil’s failed housing policies. They also have an opportunity to vote for change. A strong Sinn Féin presence on councils and in the European Parliament will ensure that housing is treated as the social and economic priority it should be.”