Dear Editor, – I recently reviewed Sinn Féin’s latest housing proposal, Michael McDowell’s piece, and your editorial, all of which highly emphasised land acquisition for construction projects.
Remarkably, the authors, and indeed most of the Irish populace, appear to overlook an alternative to spreading out onto additional land- constructing high-rise buildings.
It is perplexing why we seem to be fixated on delivering low-rise, low-density homes, which necessitates the obliteration of our valuable green spaces.
I spend a considerable amount of my time in Turkey, where standalone houses are practically non-existent. I have observed that the majority of homes are in high-rise apartment blocks of up to 10 or 12 floors, many boasting impressive architectural designs.
Interestingly, it’s often seen that Irish citizens object to high-rise construction on the grounds of excessive height and density, while disregarding the comprehensive destruction of top-grade farming land for regular low-rise apartments and semi-detached homes. This is happening despite the fact that nearly 30% of the world’s agricultural land is at risk from desertification.
It’s pure madness.
I concur with Michael McDowell that neither the Coalition parties nor Sinn Féin offer a satisfactory resolution to our housing crisis.
To meet our requirement for 300,000 homes, we must build vertically, build compactly, and attract vast numbers of foreign companies and labour. Additionally, we should revise our planning laws to limit the opportunity for people to contest proposed projects.
In my view, the egocentricity and the lack of foresight amongst the Irish are significantly contributing to our prevailing housing dilemma, now posing a serious hazard to our financial prosperity. This is a typical example of being one’s own worst enemy. Sincerely, Timothy J. Ryan of Castleknock, Dublin 15.
Moreover, Sir, we have been reassured by Michael McDowell that neither Sinn Féin or the Coalition will be able to rectify the housing crisis. Seemingly, we are left with no choice but to continue in anticipation for the clever wisdom of the impending Michael to come. Yours sincerely, Damien Flinter from Headford, County Galway.