Dáil Clashes Over House Prices and Affordable Home Delivery Targets
Wednesday 8 July 2026
A sharp Dáil exchange has highlighted a dispute over Ireland's housing policy, with opposition leaders highlighting rising prices and government ministers defending state delivery figures.
Rising house prices and affordable housing delivery targets have sparked a sharp exchange in the Dáil, highlighting contrasting views on the state of Ireland's housing market.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald raised concerns over a newly published report from myhome.ie and Bank of Ireland, which she stated shows median statewide asking prices have reached €400,000, rising to close to €500,000 in Dublin. Deputy McDonald criticised the Government's affordable housing record, stating that only 935 affordable buy homes were delivered last year against a target of 2,100, leaving many working people priced out of the market.
In response, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, defended the administration's housing strategy. Minister Chambers pointed to record delivery in 2025, stating that 17,500 starter home supports were provided, representing a 21% increase compared to 2024. He also cited Central Statistics Office (CSO) data showing a 0.2% month-on-month price decrease in February, arguing that sustained capital infrastructure investments and supply-side reforms are working to moderate price growth.