Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing, Eoin Ó Broin TD, has called for a radical reset of housing policy.

The Dublin Mid-West TDs comments were made as an EY-Euroconstruct report estimates that ‘fewer homes will be built this year than last year’.

Deputy Ó Broin added that the report is further evidence that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s housing plan is failing, and that the housing crisis will only get worse if they form the next government.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“The latest EY-Euroconstruct report estimated that fewer homes will be built this year than last year.

“Their analysis indicated that just 32,000 new homes will be completed by the end of the year.

“That is below the government’s official target of 33,000 and significantly behind the government’s own repeated claim that 40,000 new homes would be built this year.

“Of greater concern is the report’s estimate that housing output will only increase to 38,000 homes in 2025 and 40,000 in 2026. This is significantly below the Housing Commission’s recommended targets designed to meet unmet and emerging demand.

“If the EY-Euroconstruct estimates are accurate, it means that unmet demand will continue to grow in the years ahead. Meanwhile, social and affordable housing output lags way behind housing need.

“The consequence of all of this will be rising house prices, rents and homelessness and the continued inadequate delivery of social and affordable homes.

“This is further evidence that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s housing plan is failing.

“If these parties form the next government, the housing crisis will only get worse.

“That is why we need a radical reset in housing targets and policy, as recommended by the Housing Commission. Clearly that will not happen if Fianna Fái and Fine Gael form the next government.”