News

Why are the interests of big developers always put ahead of those who need an affordable home? The new Zoned Land Tax exposes the Government’s lack of urgency when it comes to delivering housing, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “The two-year delay in introducing the Zoned Land Tax shows a complete lack […]

To see the crisis go unaddressed for a decade, while the Taoiseach flippantly states the issue cannot be addressed overnight, is deplorable Social Democrats Councillors on Dublin City Council have called for a special meeting of the local authority to be convened to address dismissive and condescending comments, made by Chief Executive Owen Keegan to […]

One deal worth €10.7m was concluded without any legal agreement A new report from Clúid Housing shows there is a clear lack of oversight of housing deals entered into between local authorities and developers, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “The report published today by Clúid Housing – ‘Planning Gain and Obligation: Promise […]

The Government’s rent pressure zone policy has failed miserably The latest rent index report from the Residential Tenancies Board is further evidence that rent levels are out of control, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “This report is further evidence that rent levels are out of control. Rents have increased by 7pc in […]

Two children became homeless every day in August The increase in the number of families who became homeless in August is further evidence of the escalating housing crisis, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “The latest homelessness figures, published by the Department of Housing today, show the number of families living in emergency […]

This crisis is a direct result of a failed student housing policy The government is refusing to act on the student accommodation crisis, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan T.D “There are reports of students sleeping in cars, packed into hostel dorms, couch-surfing, commuting for up to five hours per day. Others are […]

I am calling on the Minister for Education to take urgent action The shocking condition of prefab classrooms at Gaelcholáiste Reachrann in Donaghmede must be rectified immediately, while the construction of a new school building must be prioritised, according to Social Democrats Dublin Bay North TD Cian O’Callaghan. “Every child deserves to be taught in […]

Delays in providing legal aid are totally unacceptable Issues causing fresh delays to the Stardust Inquest, which was due to commence in October, must be resolved immediately, according to Social Democrats Dublin Bay North TD Cian O’Callaghan. “Past promises of legal aid for the Stardust families must be honoured. The new delay in providing this […]

Just transition must be more than a buzz word or branding The government must ensure there is a fair deal for workers and communities as we move to a zero-carbon economy and society, according to Social Democrats Climate Spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore made her comments as she introduced legislation – the Just Transition (Worker […]

The Minister has failed to address his clear and unambiguous statement to the Dáil Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has responded with a statement that can only be described as gibberish to the charge that he misled the Dáil when he falsely claimed the Central Bank had approved his shared equity scheme, according to Social Democrats […]

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien must explain why he misled the Dáil regarding one of the central pillars of his new housing plan – the shared equity scheme. The Minister previously informed the Dáil that the Central Bank had approved his scheme but we now know this is not the case, according to Social Democrats Housing […]

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar should clarify the misleading statements he made this morning Tánaiste Leo Varadkar was wrong to suggest the government had listened to advice from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on increasing funding for housing, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “On Morning Ireland today, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar claimed the […]

The government is not a mere bystander in this crisis – it must play an active role The government has no coherent plan to increase the number of apprenticeships in key trades in the construction industry, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “Taoiseach Micheál Martin has encouraged young people finishing their Leaving Cert […]

At every turn, the Minister for Housing has put the interests of big developers ahead of those struggling to buy an affordable homes It is utterly unacceptable that thousands of affordable homes will be lost because of an exemption for developers contained in the Minister’s new housing plan, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian […]