Homebuilding in Ireland could potentially increase to 40,000 annually within the next few years, according to Tánaiste Micheál Martin. The Irish government is committed to finding ways to accelerate housebuilding in order to address the housing crisis in the country. The government’s targets for building social and affordable housing have been criticized by opposition parties for consistently being missed. However, the government has stated that it will exceed its overall housebuilding target of 29,000 homes by 2023, as outlined in the Housing For All strategy.
Mr. Martin expressed confidence that the number of new homes being built will continue to rise year after year. He mentioned that some estimates project 32,000 homes to be built this year, and the final figures for the first quarter will provide clarity. Since the coalition government took office, 100,000 new homes have been constructed. Mr. Martin acknowledged that efforts must be made to accelerate housebuilding, particularly by addressing capacity issues within the housing industry. The government is actively working on various fronts, including public and private investment, human resources, recruitment, and apprenticeships, to increase capacity and productivity.
The targets set by the government are not seen as limits, and if they can be surpassed, they will be. Mr. Martin pointed out that homebuilding has already increased by 40% in recent years. While reaching 40,000 homes per year on top of the projected 32,000 for this year may not be attainable, he expressed optimism about gradually increasing the annual number of homes built. He believes that within a few years, Ireland could reach the goal of constructing 40,000 homes annually.
The government’s commitment to increasing homebuilding is crucial in addressing the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland. By focusing on capacity building and implementing various measures, such as investment and recruitment, the government aims to meet the demand for housing and provide much-needed social and affordable housing options. The progress made in recent years demonstrates the determination to tackle the issue, and the government will continue to spare no effort in achieving its goals.
In conclusion, the Irish government, led by Tánaiste Micheál Martin, is determined to accelerate homebuilding in Ireland to address the housing crisis. Despite criticism from opposition parties regarding missed targets, the government remains committed to exceeding its set goals. Efforts are being made to increase capacity within the housing industry through initiatives such as investment, recruitment, and apprenticeships. While reaching 40,000 homes annually may take some time, incremental progress is expected to be made, with the hope of achieving this target within a few years. The government’s dedication to increasing homebuilding is a positive step towards tackling the housing crisis and meeting the demand for housing in Ireland.
