Dublin: Micheál Martin has acknowledged that housing costs in Ireland remain excessively high despite increased government efforts to tackle the housing crisis.
The Taoiseach made the remarks while addressing the 100th anniversary Ard Fheis of Fianna Fáil in Dublin.
Government Claims Progress on Housing Delivery
Martin said the government had made significant progress in expanding social and affordable housing since returning to office in 2020.
According to the Taoiseach:
- Around 177,000 new housing units have been developed since 2020
- Social housing construction has increased substantially compared to four years ago
- Approximately 9,000 homes are currently under construction
However, he admitted that current levels of delivery are still insufficient to meet growing demand.
“None of this is enough. More needs to be done,” Martin said.
Population Growth and Immigration Adding Pressure
The Taoiseach noted that rapid population growth has intensified pressure on Ireland’s housing system.
He pointed out that the country’s population has increased significantly since 1926, adding further strain to housing supply and public services.
Martin also said immigration has become an additional challenge in addressing accommodation shortages and homelessness.
“The structure of homelessness today is different from what it once was, and that needs to be examined carefully,” he said.
Target of 10,000 Social Homes Per Year
The government aims to increase housing delivery further, with Martin outlining a target of constructing 10,000 new social housing units annually.
He also stated that the number of first-time buyers has risen significantly compared to four or five years ago and insisted the government has a clear roadmap to address the ongoing housing crisis.
During his speech, Martin also highlighted Ireland’s changing political landscape, describing it as increasingly fragmented, similar to coalition-based governments across Europe.
He said the government’s upcoming budget would place strong emphasis on supporting families and addressing rising living costs.
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