The homeless statistics in Ireland continue to reach record-breaking numbers, with almost 4,000 children experiencing homelessness in the country, according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing. At the same time, there are approximately 5,000 vacant homes across Dublin alone. Labour leader Ivana Bacik highlights the urgency of addressing Ireland’s vacancy crisis and calls for stronger measures to tackle the issue. This article explores the scale of the problem, the government’s response, and the proposed solutions to end homelessness and dereliction in Irish communities.
Ireland is facing a severe vacancy crisis, with thousands of homes lying empty across the country. As of October 2023, there were 13,179 people accessing emergency accommodation, and among them, 3,991 were children. These alarming figures shed light on the dire situation faced by many families in Ireland.
The scale of the vacancy crisis becomes evident when walking through villages, towns, and cities, where hundreds of empty homes can be seen, left vacant, derelict, and boarded up. Despite the introduction of a half-hearted vacant home tax, which only applies to 3,000 properties, the government has shown little interest in addressing the root cause of the crisis.
The lack of accurate data on the full extent of the issue further complicates the problem. Local Property Tax returns indicate 57,206 vacant properties nationwide, while the Census estimates the number to be closer to 166,752, excluding seasonal holiday homes. Regardless of the exact figure, it is evident that Ireland’s vacancy rate in urban areas and towns is shamefully high. Without a clear understanding of the problem’s magnitude, it becomes challenging for the government to effectively tackle the crisis.
To address this issue, Labour is calling for a scaling up of local authority funding and resources. This involves conducting individual mapping exercises by local authorities to determine the extent of the problem in each area. This data can then inform the government about the investment needed on a region-by-region basis. Local authorities, being on the frontline of the housing crisis, are best positioned to drive the much-needed change.
However, in addition to mapping exercises, it is crucial to make it easier for local authorities to take action on vacant buildings. Labour proposes stronger compulsory purchase powers for local authorities, ensuring that property and site owners are put on notice that if they don’t utilize their properties, they may lose them. The current compulsory purchase process is slow and cumbersome, hindering progress in bringing empty homes back into use.
The Vacant Homes Tax, which applies to only 3,000 properties, clearly indicates the need for stronger measures. Dublin City Council, for instance, has seized just 25 derelict homes in five years, despite the existence of numerous properties that could and should be restored and reintegrated into the community. By better supporting local councils, more individuals can be provided with secure homes.
The housing crisis has significant social consequences, particularly for young people who aspire to own their own homes. The shortage of affordable housing and the presence of vacant and derelict spaces exacerbate the problem. Accessible areas close to city centers are essential for young people, yet the rising prices in both buying and renting homes make it unaffordable for most Irish citizens.
The impact of the housing crisis on young people is evident, as more than two in three individuals aged between 25 and 29 are still living with their parents. The dream of living a full and independent life is being denied to this generation, and the social consequences will be enormous.
To resolve this crisis, the government must take political action. Local authorities should be empowered to act decisively and reclaim empty and derelict spaces for the benefit of society. Affordable housing and accessible areas for collective use are urgently needed. The government needs to prioritize bringing vacant homes into supply for those who need them the most.
In conclusion, Ireland’s vacancy crisis is worsening as thousands of homes remain empty, while 4,000 children experience homelessness. The government’s response has been inadequate, with limited measures like the vacant home tax failing to address the root cause of the issue. Stronger actions, such as scaling up local authority funding, conducting mapping exercises, and empowering local authorities with compulsory purchase powers, are necessary to bring vacant homes back into use. It is crucial to resolve this crisis and provide affordable housing for all, especially young people who feel locked out of the dream of owning their own homes.
