Darragh O’Brien, the Housing Minister, refuted claims of influencing ESRI to exclude “pent-up demand” in their recently published housing report. In a discussion with RTÉ radio’s News at One, Mr. O’Brien assured that the future housing target, which is to be revealed later this year for the period following 2025, will account for the pent-up demand. Predicted new housing targets could reach 50,000, he indicated.
“I have repeatedly stated as minister that we still need to address the pent-up demand resulting from a ten-year significant undersupply of housing. Upon my assumption of duty, we embarked on catching up and since then we have constructed 110,000 new homes, but the demand is still high,” Mr. O’Brien remarked.
The ESRI report indicates that between 35,000 and 53,000 new homes will be required annually, according to 12 different possible population growth trajectories. The study, based on expectations for population sizes and related housing needs, relied on census and research data, as well as predictions of international migration trends. The Department of Housing and Local Government financed the research, but it did not address current housing deficits.
Mr. O’Brien acknowledged to RTÉ that several housing reports had been conducted. One such report by the Housing Commission stated a home shortage of 256,000, while the Central Bank claimed a shortfall of 121,000, and Housing Europe estimated around 180,000.
Mr. O’Brien expressed his commitment to include the pent-up demand in the upcoming housing targets in the Autumn, emphasizing the importance of surpassing set goals. “Our targets should be seen as a base rather than a limit. The ESRI’s study, which presented 12 possible scenarios, certainly was influential in understanding future housing demands. There are numerous elements to be considered and it isn’t just about plucking a figure out of thin air,” he concluded.
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