The Housing Commission’s report details a compelling examination of the origins, extent and effects of Ireland’s severe housing shortage. The report proposes an array of solutions, totalling 83, that it believes will effectively tackle the issue at hand.
A key issue highlighted by the Commission is the absence of a thorough, enduring strategy – one that recognises the fundamental depth of the problem and its lasting implications for society and the economy. The sporadic, makeshift response employed so far has been costly and inefficient in facing both the domestic and international reasons exacerbating the crisis.
Because of this flawed response, the report indicates that Ireland is grappling with a housing shortfall size ranging between 212,500 and 256,000 homes, as per the 2022 Census. To rectify this shortage and cater to the growing population, meeting annual building targets of 42,000 to 62,000 new homes consistently will be necessary. The existing target of 33,000 new homes per annum currently falls short of the actual requirement.
A central aspect of the commission’s recommendations is an in-depth scheme for allocating the right type of housing in suitable places, complemented by the crucial infrastructure to support it. Following many of the steps to achieve this goal presents challenges for the incumbent Government, and future ones post-general elections. Broad-ranging, innovative approaches are needed in areas like planning, construction, the rental market, financing, and infrastructure delivery.
There seems to be widespread agreement with the need for “urgent action”. However, putting the proposed solutions into action would necessitate tough political decisions, which could potentially irk established interests, in addition to a resolute, long-lasting execution plan.
In the Commission’s opinion, steering most of the intended changes should be a new, influential Housing Delivery Oversight Executive vested with legal powers. Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has already cautioned that this could prove to be a challenge. The current bureaucratic frameworks have, however, proved inadequate in developing a holistic strategy where everyone works towards a common goal.
Is there a possibility that only select recommendations will be implemented, or might the report result in a fresh national strategy, akin to Sláintecare? Consensus on such an approach appears doubtful, considering the forthcoming general election – and the history in health shows that advancement is challenging. However, with the severity of the housing crisis, it is indeed crucial to undertake immediate measures. If that doesn’t happen, the system will simply keep moving forward, offering disappointing results notwithstanding the significant resources utilised.