Record house prices show lack of Government action
Record house prices show lack of Government action - The Labour Party
- Prices up, no political will
Labour’s Housing Spokesperson Conor Sheehan TD has slammed the Government’s failure to tackle the housing crisis following the publication of the latest Daft.ie House Price Report, which shows asking prices have jumped by an average of 12.3% in the past year – the highest rate since the Central Bank introduced its mortgage lending rules in 2015. In Limerick, asking prices rose even higher at 12.8%. Deputy Sheehan is calling for an immediate change in policy direction to stop runaway prices and deliver affordable homes.
Deputy Sheehan said:
“Another week, another shocking report showing what we already know – house prices are spiralling out of control, and Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael refuse to take action. Asking prices are up 12% nationally and nearly 13% in my own city of Limerick. How is this possible? How much higher can they possibly rise before this Government truly take this seriously?
“Report after report proves this Government lacks the political will to get to grips with the housing crisis. If the housing deficit keeps widening at this pace, they will never close it. We now have over 15,000 people homeless in Ireland, yet this is no longer treated as an emergency. People are being told to accept that owning a home is a fantasy, sky-high rents are the norm, and waiting years for social housing is just how it is. That is unacceptable.
“Labour has been crystal clear: there are steps that can and must be taken now. We want the Land Development Agency to be reformed so the State directly builds and provides housing. We also believe the Housing Solidarity Fund must be mobilised to kickstart affordable housing initiatives.
“This crisis is not inevitable. It is the direct result of bad political choices, year after year. We need a complete overhaul of Ireland’s broken housing system. Families, workers and young people deserve secure, affordable homes. Labour will fight tooth and nail to make that happen.
“It is long past time for the Government to admit its policies are failing. This cannot wait any longer – need action now.”