CSO figures highlight lack of affordability in housing sector- O’Sullivan

Labour Housing spokesperson, Jan O’Sullivan TD, has said that  today’s Census figures showing nearly half a million adults are still living with their parents, highlight the lack of affordability in the housing and rental sector.

The latest figures from the CSO reveal almost 270,000 men and 190,000 women aged 18 and over remain in the family home.

Deputy O’Sullivan commented:

“That so many adults are still living at home with their parents highlights the extent to which young people in particular are finding it simply unaffordable to rent, or later buy a house.

“It is becoming more common for young couples and families to move in with their parents when they are trying to save for a deposit for a house.

“While it is great that so many people have the option to remain or indeed move back home, these figures once again highlight the extent of the problem in the housing sector here.

“And for those that don’t have the option to live with family, many people and families are ending up on the streets.

“Government has to address the crucial supply issue and make use of the thousands of vacant properties around the country to begin addressing this crisis.

“But action is also needed in relation to affordable housing, and a glaring omission in Government strategy to date is the complete lack of will to introduce a national Affordable Housing Scheme.

“The CSO data released today shows how urgent it is for the Department of Housing to act on the basis of accurate data; not just the number of adults living with their parents but also the ‘hidden homeless’ who are couch surfing and, as the new Minister has acknowledged, a more reliable way to measure the number of new homes being built as counting on the basis of new ESB connections is inaccurate.

“We need to know the size of the problem and to ensure that Housing remains on top of the priority agenda for capital spending.”