The Housing Commission in Ireland has pinpointed a pressing need for a “radical strategic reset of housing policy” due to an estimated deficit of up to 256,000 homes. Established to examine housing issues like supply, the commission’s report calls for urgent action to meet the housing deficit, suggesting emergency delivery of a mid-range figure of 235,000 homes between 2025 and 2034.
With an average annual delivery target of 23,500 homes, this would require exceeding the current housing delivery plans. The commission also emphasizes the need for a targeted increase in social and cost-rental housing to 20% of the national stock, with recommendations for improved coordination and oversight in housing delivery.
Despite one of the highest levels of public expenditure for housing in Europe, Ireland faces poor outcomes in housing. The report highlights challenges such as construction industry inflation and planning delays. It calls for a long-term focus on shaping future housing policy and estimates an annual funding requirement of €16-€20 billion from public and private sources.