Browne must build as State risks falling 136,000 homes short by 2030
Browne must build as State risks falling 136,000 homes short by 2030 - The Labour Party
Labour housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan TD today called out Housing Minister James Browne following the publication of Deloitte’s latest Crane Survey, which found that the State could fall up to 136,100 homes short of its 2030 target as planning approvals fail to keep pace.
Deputy Sheehan said:
“Government promised 300,000 new homes by 2030. Deloitte now projects it could fall more than 136,000 homes short. Every year Government falls behind and the housing deficit grows.
“This at the same time Government is tying the hands of councils and approved housing bodies. Government could change the law to allow Home Building Finance Ireland to offer lower-interest loans to small and medium-sized builders and developers, helping them get more homes built. Instead, Minister Browne is prioritising tax incentives for institutional investors who will only build when they can make the returns they want.
“We saw yesterday what falling short already looks like. Just 565 new affordable purchase homes came on stream nationwide in the first six months of this year. Last year the Government delivered just 935 and missed its own target by 55%.
“Labour would invest €6 billion from the Apple tax windfall in the Land Development Agency and turn it into a State Construction Company that can build directly on public land. Only the State has the resources necessary to build at the scale required.
“Homelessness is up. House prices are up. Rents are up. And now we learn that the Government could fall more than 136,000 homes short of its own target. We need a renewed sense of urgency from Government on housing, we need State action on this now.”