Ó Ríordáin successfully negotiates EU Housing Commissioner
- Calls on McGrath to seek position
Labour Dublin MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin said the appointment of an EU Housing Commissioner has the potential to turn the dial on the Irish housing crisis.
Urging former Minister Michael McGrath to seek the role, Ó Ríordáin said the position could be transformative for the European wide housing crisis.
Ó Ríordáin said:
“As head of the Irish Delegation in the S&D Group, I have had the opportunity to push hard at key negotiations to put forward the case for a Housing Commissioner.
“One of my key priorities as MEP for Dublin will be delivering a European Plan for Affordable Housing. To do that, we will need someone to spearhead the investment in and delivery of homes. A Housing Commissioner is the answer.
“The S&D Group was the only group to raise housing, and the need for greater co-ordination across the Union through a Housing Commissioner.
“Following my representations and further negotiation with colleagues in Brussels and Strasbourg, Labour has achieved the appointment of a Housing Commissioner and an enactment of a Housing Committee, as announced by Ursula von der Leyen.
“During my campaign, I promised the people of Dublin that I would be on the front foot with calls for an EU Housing Commissioner. As the greatest civil rights issue of our times, EU Institutions need to take decisive action in tackling this crisis.
“I pledged to keep a laser focus on housing, housing, housing.
“To that end, I am urging former Minister Michael McGrath to seek the position. The housing crisis remains acute across Ireland, biting people in Dublin and Cork in particular.
“While not a panacea, having an Irish Housing Commissioner has the potential to be transformative for the Irish housing market. We’ve had eight wasted years of prosperity under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael when it comes to housing. Now is the time to step up.
“Since my election to the Parliament in June, I have pushed for a re-imagined Europe, a Europe that cares about fundamental rights like housing. I truly believe we can make Dublin the best place to live, work and raise a family. This is a step towards achieving that, for the love of Dublin.”