Co-living Proposals Show Fine Gael is Out of Touch

Posted on May 21, 2019

Brendan Howlin TD, Leader of the Labour Party (Leaders' Question, Dáil, 21 May 2019)

Minister Murphy recently said that professional people should live like students in so-called co-living accommodation, because that is now normal in London or New York. I would point out to the Minister that those are among the most unaffordable housing markets in the world, where prices and rents are out of control.

London and New York have serious problems because housing is now an investment for speculation. Speculative investment in housing is clearly happening in Ireland too.

The most recent OECD report warns that the Irish economy is vulnerable to recession due to a disorderly Brexit. But it also warns that the presence of foreign investors in the property market is a particular risk.

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Permanent link | Categories: Housing

Unlocking the Door - Labour's Housing Plan

Posted on July 18, 2016

Earlier today our Housing and Planning Spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan TD launched our Social and Affordable Housing Bill 2016 with Willie Penrose TD and Cllr Duncan Smith.

 

The purpose of this Bill is to amend various pieces of legislation in order to make improvements to the current serious shortage in supply of housing for sale or for rent at affordable prices, and to ensure a stable and functioning housing market.

This Bill is set in the context of looking at the constitutional balance between the rights of private property and the principle of social justice and the common good. And while it represents a strong and comprehensive legislative response to the issues, it has to be acknowledged that legislation alone, cannot fix everything.

Permanent link | Categories: Environment • Jan OSullivan • Housing

As homes are repossessed what is the Government doing?

Posted on December 10, 2008

The last couple of months have shown that we are not living in ordinary times; this week alone saw 37 homes lost through repossession in the courts. It is clear that these times call for extraordinary measures.

During his key speech at our recent party conference the Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore spoke of actions that could and should be taken to ensure that people who are struggling in the current economic times do not lose their homes. Most people fear losing their job but this is surpassed by the thought of losing your home.

As the threat of repossession is hanging over some people the numbers of people on local authority waiting list climbs.

During Leaders' Questions today Eamon called this 'the biggest social ticking timebomb'.

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Permanent link | Comments | Categories: Finance • Housing