Daithí Doolan, Sinn Féin Leader on Dublin City Council and European election candidate for Dublin, has said that the government must get to grips with the housing crisis by ramping up supply of affordable homes.

Speaking following a meeting with the Sandyford Business District, Cllr Doolan said that the lack of affordable homes to buy or rent is increasingly becoming a barrier for Dublin businesses attracting and retaining workers.

Cllr Doolan said:

“Demand for housing is continuing to far outpace supply. The housing crisis is continuing to get worse and worse with every year that this government remains in office.

“The latest CSO reported figures today show that, in the February property price index, house prices were up 6% in the year to February, while new house prices up 9%. For so many workers, the dream of owning their own home is slipping ever further from reach.

“This is putting a real strain on businesses attracting and retaining workers, and that is a message that was reinforced once again today when I met with Sandyford Business District.

“Businesses are struggling to fill key positions due to lack of housing supply, which in turn will undermine Ireland’s ability to be an attractive place for companies to invest and grow.

“It is affecting workers and families right across the board, with many Gardaí, nurses, teachers and other workers either having to turn down work due to lack of suitable accommodation nearby or else face long and exhausting commutes.

“The consequence of failing to deliver the necessary supply of affordable homes, combined with inflationary developer subsidies, is driving house price inflation here in Dublin and right across the state.

“Delivering on housing would be the number one priority of a Sinn Féin government. Only a general election, a change of government, and a new housing plan can begin to unravel the damage of decades of bad Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael housing policy.”