Sinn Féin’s housing plan focuses on increasing State spending to address the housing crisis, proposing €39 billion over five years with €25 billion from the Exchequer. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald aims to prioritize homelessness and property ahead of the Dáil’s return and a potential general election. While State funding can create affordable housing, it may impact private developers and distort the market.
Sinn Féin targets building 300,000 homes if in government, with 125,000 as social rental or affordable housing and 175,000 private. Their plan includes dropping criticized government schemes like Help to Buy and First Homes, implicated in driving up prices. Sinn Féin also addresses the inefficiencies in the planning system, committing to streamline processes and introduce statutory timelines.
Despite uncertainties about the next government, Sinn Féin’s housing policies are under scrutiny. Mary Lou McDonald’s focus on housing aims to set apart Sinn Féin from other parties as they navigate potential coalition compromises in the future.