Editorials

The Irish Times view on the Government’s housing update: some positives but a lot to do

There is no doubt that the Government is putting very significant resources into the housing crisis, but equally that familiar problems continue to delay progress

Construction work taking place at the Parklands estate on Fortunestown Lane, Citywest. Three and four-bed family units in Parklands have been launched as cost-rental rental homes by the Government's Land Development Agency (LDA) ( Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie)
Construction work taking place at the Parklands estate on Fortunestown Lane, Citywest. Three and four-bed family units in Parklands have been launched as cost-rental rental homes by the Government's Land Development Agency (LDA) ( Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie)
Tue Jul 11 2023 - 20:15

The latest review of the Government’s Housing for All Programme illustrates some progress, but also underlines the challenges ahead. Housing starts have held up better-than-expected despite higher interest rates, with 7,349 commencements in the second quarter and around 13,000 in the first half of the year. Planning permissions are also up strongly. And the Government underlines that some 700 first-time buyers are being approved for mortgages every week.

Most forecasters had expected a fall-off in building this year would mean the Government would not meet its 29,000 target of housing completions. Ministers say that they are now confident of meeting the target, although recent upward revisions in population estimates indicate a significant increase in the annual target will be needed.

The Opposition immediately dismissed the Government’s progress, with Sinn Féin focusing on a shortfall of social and affordable housing. The Government, meanwhile, following a recent decision to offer a one-year exemption from development levies, will now make ¤150 million available to local authorities to tackle vacant and derelict buildings. It is part of a massive ramping up of State spending on housing. The Government is also planning a new initiative on using modern construction methods.

There is no doubt that the Government is putting very significant resources into the housing crisis, but equally that familiar problems continue to delay progress. It needs to demonstrate over the rest of this year that its plans to accelerate delivery can actually make an impact and that housing supply can start to match the real levels needed.

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The Opposition, and particularly Sinn Féin, continue to criticise Government policy, saying the State must take a more proactive role. The party has put much useful work into its housing policies. However, in government it would also face may of the same problems in actually delivering. The long-term nature of the housing crisis does not lend itself to quick solutions.