Ministers say private builds will fix crisis

SENIOR Government ministers now acknowledge that the private sector, rather than councils and housing associations, hold the key to resolving Ireland’s housing crisis.

It comes as Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has launched a blistering attack on councils saying many don’t understand the urgency of the crisis.

He also said: ‘Some councils are doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to tackling homelessness whilst others act as if it is not their problem.’ Mr Murphy, who is reviewing his predecessor Simon Coveney’s Rebuilding Ireland housing strategy, told the Mail on Sunday: ‘We have to build new houses, of course we do. Unlocking supply is the key to overcoming many of the housing challenges we face.’

It’s believed the State aims to create a situation where housing can be accessed at a third of a person’s income.

Mr Murphy also said vacant homes must be brought back into use.

One senior government source said: ‘If we are really serious about building we should contact between four and five top builders like Sean Mulryan, tell them we are rebuilding 10,000 houses there, there, there and there and say what do you want to do it?’