Kildare councillor: Figures show that the government's housing plan is failing

The government's current housing strategy is a 'colossal failure.'

That's according to Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, who pointed to the latest Daft report.

His comments echo those made by his party colleague Cian O' Callaghan last month, where the Dublin Bay North TD, who is also the Housing Spokesperson for the SD, said that the government's housing plan 'has failed.'

The Newbridge-based politician's comments also follow after he chaired a cost-of-living crisis discussion event, which was held in Newbridge Town Hall on Thursday, November 17 last.

Cllr Pender said in his latest statement: "The current report serves as a harsh reminder of the magnitude of the situation, both in terms of rising rents and dwindling property supply."

"According to the survey, the average rent requested for a residence countrywide between July and September was a record 14.1 percent more than it was during the same time previous year, with rents in Kildare rising by 13.6 per cent."

The Newbridge-based politician continued: "Across the county, the average monthly rent for a residential property was €1,717, a 7 percent rise from the previous quarter and the highest quarterly increase recorded by Daft since 2005."

"With just 1,087 properties posted on Daft countrywide, it is evident that a lack of supply is driving up rents to unsustainable levels, with 60 per cent fewer homes available than last year."

"The data demonstrates that the government's housing strategy is a colossal failure."

Councillor Chris Pender, Social Democrats. File Pic

He also accused the government of 'patting itself on the shoulder, since 28,000 houses are expected to be delivered this year.'

"Despite the widespread agreement, at least 40,000 additional dwellings are required yearly," Cllr Pender added:  "There has been a complete failure to control short-term lets something which I have highlighted time and time again within the council, which is disrupting the availability of long-term rental houses.

"On the night of the census, there were 35,000 unoccupied rental properties, many of which were empty because they were used as short-term lets.

He concluded: "We need to put an end to the government's continual spin on housing and instead focus on providing houses that are affordable to rent and purchase."