Housing Strategy needed

BY ROBBIE SMYTH

Almost half of all those living in Dublin and a third of all those living outside Dublin will not be able to afford a home in two year's time This is the conclusion made by Trinity College economist PJ Drudy.

A report based on his study points out that while salaries are rising on average 3% a year, the price of new homes are rising by 11%-19% annually.

Responding to the report, Sinn Féin EU candidate for Dublin, Mary Lou McDonald, said: "Professor Drudy points out that in many other European countries, the right to housing is enshrined in the constitution. Sinn Féin has been campaigning for this to happen for some time now.

"The study's findings will come as no surprise to anybody who is currently struggling to get on the property ladder. This state needs a housing strategy and a housing agency to co-ordinate all aspects of housing provision."