News

House prices nationally are now 3 percent above their highest point at the peak of the property boom Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan has called on the Minister for Housing to explain what he is going to do to address the rising cost of home ownership after figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) […]

Increased delivery of cost rental, social and affordable homes is the only solution to this housing crisis The chronic shortage of properties available to those dependent on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) highlights the urgent need for the Government to speed up delivery of cost rental, social and affordable homes, according to Social Democrats TD […]

Commenting on the resignation of Minister of State Damien English, Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan said: “Just six months after the resignation of Robert Troy over a property-related matter, we now have another Junior Minister overboard. “Deputy English made the correct decision to immediately resign after it emerged he gave incorrect information to a […]

Engagement with key stakeholders is welcome but must be followed up with meaningful action A housing conference taking place today paints a picture of a Government desperately scrambling for ideas to tackle the crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Housing spokesperson, said: “While it is welcome to […]

Urgent action from the Government is required to tackle homelessness The latest homelessness figures highlight the need for urgent action from the Government to address this housing disaster, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Housing spokesperson, said: “Figures released today show that homelessness has yet again hit record […]

Government urgently needs to change tack on housing policy New figures show that home ownership in Ireland has become increasingly out of reach for prospective purchasers, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Housing spokesperson, said: “The latest report from Myhome.ie paints a bleak picture for house-hunters as we […]

Annual report of Special Rapporteur on Child Protection says more children experienced homelessness and poverty in 2022 Tomorrow’s change of Taoiseach will make zero difference to the lives of children experiencing record levels of poverty, deprivation and homelessness, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s spokesperson on Children, said: […]

Latest figures come just one day after Minister survives confidence motion  The latest national Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) shows that the Government has failed to curb rising house prices, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s spokesperson on Housing, said: “The index increased by 9.8 percent in the […]

The law is inadvertently facilitating the further abuse of social housing tenants Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns has called on the Government to make changes to legislation to protect social housing tenants who are survivors of domestic abuse. “As things stand, a person who is abusing their partner can refuse to relinquish their rights under […]

An Bord Pleanála needs to be protected from political interference Legislation being rushed through the Dáil this week has the potential to further erode public confidence in the planning system, according to Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan. “This regressive Bill seeks to concentrate power in the Minister’s hands when it comes to the appointment […]

Shocking figures show that 20% of social housing residents with pre-paid meters in one district energy block have been cut-off from heating and hot water  Social Democrats Housing spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan has called for immediate State supports for residents reliant on district energy systems after it emerged that some households have been charged extortionate rates […]

Halfway through this Government’s term, all key housing statistics are pointing in the wrong direction Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan has confirmed that his party will be voting against tomorrow’s Government motion expressing confidence in Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Housing spokesperson, said: “We are now halfway through this Government’s […]

Overdue regulation of short-term lets must include proper enforcement The Government’s long overdue announcement of plans to regulate the short-term letting market must include a nationwide extension of Rent Pressure Zones, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s Housing spokesperson, said: “With homelessness numbers, house prices and rents all […]

Focus needs to shift to the delivery of social, affordable purchase and cost-rental homes Figures published by the Central Statistics Office showing a contraction in residential building activity for the third quarter of this year is further proof that the Government’s housing plan is not working, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan. Deputy O’Callaghan, […]