Protest outside the Dáil over Ireland's housing crisis
LARGE demonstrations have taken place outside the Dáil Éireann over Ireland's escalating housing crisis.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions organised the "Raise the Roof" protest to coincide with a parliamentary debate on the issue.
The union labelled the crisis "the greatest political failure of our time".
Ethel Buckley, deputy general secretary of SIPTU, stated: 'Workers are being priced out of home ownership and can only access housing by taking on unsustainable financial burdens.'
She went on to add: 'This has serious consequences, not just on a personal level, but across society. We're seeing vital jobs go unfilled and more young people emigrating.'
'What's urgently needed is a complete overhaul and long-term strategy to provide secure, affordable housing.'
Ireland's housing crisis has forced the government to navigate the wide gap in priorities between renters, landlords and property developers.
Homeownership is simply out of reach for many young people due to high demand and low supply.
According to recent data from property site Daft, average monthly rent has now surpassed €2,000 nationwide.
In response, the government has tried to introduce policies that both limit rent hikes and encourage construction by developers and investors.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated that the government aims to considerably boost construction to meet national demand.
However, Sinn Féin has repeatedly criticised the government for not taking enough action to resolve the crisis.
The opposition described the situation as a severe emergency prior to the protest.
Eoin Ó Broin TD, Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson, said: 'We're calling for measures that genuinely protect renters, not the weakening of rent pressure zones that we've seen so far, but a total freeze on rent increases and concrete support to bring costs down.'
Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) are areas where rent increases are legally limited to shield tenants from sharp price hikes.
The Raise the Roof campaign has widespread public support, but it remains uncertain whether this will alleviate Ireland's housing woes any time soon.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
2 hours ago
- The Journal
Sinn Féin MEP calls on EU commissioner to withdraw 'deeply inaccurate' remarks about Ireland
SINN FÉIN MEP Kathleen Funchion has called on the EU's foreign commissioner to her withdraw remarks on Ireland's neutrality. During a debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday on the upcoming Nato summit next week, Funchion criticised the EU's inaction on dealing with Israel's military operations in the Gaza, Iran and other parts of the Middle East. The Ireland South MEP later noted the sovereign right of each member state to choose its own foreign policies and if they participate in military alliances such as Nato. She said that the EU hopes it recognises Ireland's right to maintain its historical neutral stance. 'We in Ireland have a proud history and tradition of UN peacekeeping, and long may that continue,' Funchion said, adding that it was 'important to reference the creeping militarisation into EU politics'. 'This debate has been a combination of maddening and depressing for the past two hours, listening to the vast majority of speakers. I would also remind people that, at its core, the EU is supposed to be a peace project, and we should not move away from this' Other members also voiced concern over the fulfilment of international law obligations in the conflict during the debate and called for a renewed effort to achieve peace in the Middle East and in Ukraine. 'Peace does not mark end of suffering' During her closing remarks, the European Commission Vice President and foreign affairs Commissioner Kaja Kallas said that peace can only be achieved in Ukraine when the aggressor, Russia, is willing to negotiate. She addressed Funchion's remarks and claimed that Ireland had the chance for 'prosperity' in the years following the World War II, while the rest of Europe experienced 'atrocities'. She said, in that context, that a negotiated peace through surrender would not benefit countries under siege by others. Advertisement 'I want to address our Irish colleagues,' Kallas said. 'Peace doesn't mean the human suffering will stop. If you surrender, you [still] have the aggressor. [If] you say, 'Take all that you want', it doesn't mean that human suffering will stop. 'In our experience behind the Iron Curtain [the border between the Soviet Union and Europe during the Cold War] after World War II, countries like Ireland got to build up their prosperity, but for us, it meant atrocities, mass deportations, suppression of our culture and language. 'This is what happens, it is peace – but not freedom. It's not freedom of choice for people. And that is what the EU is all about and that's what we're fighting for.' 'Ill-advised remarks should be withdrawn' The remarks have been criticised as 'deeply inaccurate' by MEP Funchion, who said the vice-president was dismissive of the post-war experience of people on the island of Ireland. Funchion said Kallas' comments were 'ill-advised and deeply insensitive to the experiences of Irish communities still seeking justice to this day'. She added: 'Ireland too endured atrocities, from the Ballymurphy massacre to Bloody Sunday, where innocent civilians were shot and killed by British soldiers. Our people suffered internment without trial, and widespread discrimination in housing and employment, particularly in the North. 'Furthermore, the suppression of Irish language and culture has been an ongoing battle, as evidenced by the decades-long campaign for an Irish Language Act in the North. She added: 'I have written to the vice-president asking her to withdraw her remarks and to acknowledge the reality of Ireland's past.' Kallas' office has been contacted for comment. Includes reporting by Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Cork Airport crowned best regional airport in Europe
The fastest-growing airport in Ireland was named the best airport in Europe that serves under five million passengers at the Airport Council International (ACI) Europe Best Airport Awards. It previously won the award in the 2017 and 2019, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin describing the accolade as a 'prestigious honour'. 'This recognition is thoroughly deserved. The airport team has worked tirelessly to enhance operational efficiency, offer exceptional passenger experience, and deliver on ambitious environmental and sustainability goals,' said ACI Europe Director General Olivier Jankovec. "Their success is clearly reflected in increased air connectivity and passenger numbers which means a growing contribution from the airport to the regional economy, tourism and competitiveness." The airport recently added four new routes to Corfu, Izmir, Bilbao and Bordeaux, with passenger numbers on track to reach beyond 3.4 million passengers this year. It welcomed 3.2 million passengers last year, a 10pc growth year-on-year. A €200 million investment by the DAA Group in the development of infrastructure at the airport plans to include a new mezzanine floor for an expanded security area, a larger duty-free shop, a bigger executive lounge, additional car park spaces, more boarding gates, new aircraft stands, and a new pier. Cork Airport's Managing Director Niall MacCarthy said the award is 'a fantastic endorsement of the incredible people who make Cork Airport what it is—from our frontline teams to those behind-the-scenes, and everyone in between'. "It's also a reflection of the strong partnerships we've built with all our stakeholders, and the loyalty of our passengers who continue to choose Cork Airport. We're immensely proud to win this award for the third time and we're committed to continuing to grow our contribution to the south of Ireland.' Meanwhile, Kenny Jacobs, the CEO of DAA, said the award is 'a huge recognition of the brilliant team on the ground who deliver for passengers every single day'. "This award's not just for the airport - it's for Cork, for Munster, and for Ireland. We have big plans for Cork, and this is a great boost.'
RTÉ News
5 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Expect race for Ireland's next president to be a sprint, not a marathon
When it comes to the race to elect what our Constitution describes as the person "who shall take precedence over all other persons in the State", expect a sprint rather than a marathon. It seems pretty clear now that the political calculation at Leinster House - across most parties - is that a summer Presidential campaign is not in their interests. Back in 2011, then Independent candidate and long-standing Senator David Norris was out-of-the-traps as early as March. Fourteen years later, voters probably won't know the first definitive candidate until July and the full slate until September. Why will it take so long to get a definitive candidate? The fact is that while the office of President is a substantial one, its constitutional power is limited to such dry matters as assessing whether or not legislation should be referred to the Supreme Court. Accordingly, previous races for the Áras have been more about the candidate rather than any policy which they may seek to advance. Such campaigns have ranged from personalised and bruising to brutal. This could explain why it is only now that the Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader is taking "soundings" on possible candidates, adding that it will be August before matters are finalised. Candidates might be "wary", Micheál Martin suggested. In such a political vacuum, it's not surprising that new names of possible Fianna Fáil candidates continue to pop up - the latest being former SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood. The cautious approach being adopted by the Taoiseach is echoed by the Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader, Simon Harris. He suggested to RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne that while the presidency is a prestigious role, the gruelling nature of the campaign is unpalatable. Fine Gael's nominations are slated to close in mid-July. Former EU Commissioner Mairéad McGuinness and current Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly are regularly mentioned as Fine Gael candidates. Party sources suggest that whoever is the winner, it's unlikely their campaign will be in full tilt until the following month. For its part, Sinn Féin is consulting with its membership about whether to contest the election alone or join a left alliance. It has the electoral numbers to nominate its own candidate, with Belfast lawyer and MP John Finucane often being talked about. Alternatively, Sinn Féin could opt to join forces with Labour, the Social Democrats, and Greens to nominate a candidate, Senator Frances Black and Deputy Catherine Connolly have both been suggested. Independent presidential candidates have had impactful campaigns in the past, for example Seán Gallagher, Peter Casey, and Dana Rosemary Scallon. However, the method they used to land their nominations - securing the backing of four local authorities - will be a more difficult task this time out. The three big beasts of Irish politics - Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin - are highly unlikely to give the nod to either of the two candidates who've declared so far: Peter Casey and the former MMA athlete Conor McGregor. As it stands, the presidential campaign will not get into full swing until late August. And then it's only a matter of weeks before the electorate has to decide who will be Ireland's 10th Úachtarán na hÉireann.
