Minister retreats on targets as homelessness hits new high
- Instead of a “housing maverick” we need a hands on Housing Minister
Labour’s housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan TD has condemned the Government’s failure to tackle the housing crisis following the publication of the latest homelessness figures, which show a record-breaking 15,286 people in emergency accommodation, including 4,603 children.
Deputy Sheehan said:
“The publication of these figures confirms what we have long feared: the housing crisis under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is spiralling further out of control. More than 4,603 children are growing up without a place to call home—a national disgrace. No child should be waking up in a cramped hotel room or a homeless shelter, wondering when they will have a home of their own.
“It is deeply alarming that, just as these shocking figures emerge, Housing Minister James Browne appears to be stepping back from official targets to end homelessness by 2030. While he insists ending homelessness remains a goal, he now claims that merely setting deadlines won’t help. Is the Minister throwing in the towel before he has even begun?
“We know that the Housing for All plan has collapsed. Homelessness is soaring, rents are skyrocketing, and homeownership remains out of reach for so many. Meanwhile, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has revealed that the number of homes that commenced building in January was 1178, a fall of 65% on the same month last year. Only the State has the deep pockets and the power to fix this crisis. We must ramp up the direct delivery of public housing—homes that families can afford, homes for young people, homes for future generations. We also need stronger protections for renters to provide security and peace of mind.
“But most importantly, we must invest in public housing at scale. This means a firm commitment to State-led construction of social and affordable homes on publicly owned land. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have had years to fix this crisis, and they have failed.
“The new Minister must take immediate action to address the reality on the ground. People are crying out for housing—housing that is affordable, secure, and accessible. Labour is calling for a radical reset on housing. We need a Government with the political will to deliver real solutions, not more broken promises.”