Ireland Housing Crisis
By Timothy F. Gibbons
The Irish housing crisis is currently characterized by a significant shortage, leading to high rental prices and limited availability, making it difficult for many people to afford housing. Estimates place the housing deficit between 212,500 and 256,000 homes, primarily due to underinvestment in construction following the global financial crisis. This is further compounded by a large number of households on social housing waiting lists, highlighting the affordability issue for low-income earners.
Key points about the Irish housing crisis:
- Large deficit:
There is a substantial gap between the number of available homes and the demand, resulting from years of under-construction following the financial crisis.
- High rental prices:
Rental costs have risen significantly, making it challenging for many people to find affordable housing.
- Growing social housing waiting list:
Many households are on the waiting list for social housing, indicating a significant affordability problem for low-income earners.
- Government efforts to address the issue:
The Irish government has increased spending on housing initiatives, aiming to build more homes and provide support for those struggling with housing affordability.
Factors contributing to the crisis:
- Land availability and cost: Restrictions on land development and high land prices can hinder new housing construction.
- Investment in buy-to-let market: A large portion of investment in the housing market has gone towards buy-to-let properties, reducing the availability of homes for owner-occupiers.
- Planning regulations: Complex planning processes can slow down new housing development.
What is Being Done to Address the Crisis
- Increased public housing development:
The government is actively investing in building more social housing units.
- Policy changes to stimulate construction:
Reforms to planning regulations and incentives for housing development are being implemented.
- Rent controls:
While controversial, some rent control measures are in place to mitigate price hikes.
Ireland Healthcare Crisis
Ireland’s healthcare system has several issues, including:
- Access
Ireland’s healthcare system doesn’t have universal coverage for primary care. Access to public services is based on an individual’s circumstances.
- Cost
Most of the population pays the full cost of general practitioner visits, outpatient prescriptions, outpatient medical supplies, and dental care.
- Hospital overcrowding
The number of hospitals in Ireland has decreased in recent years, leading to a shortage of beds. This has resulted in a “trolley crisis,” where a record number of patients wait for a hospital bed on a trolley.
- Staff shortages
There are significant staff shortages across the healthcare sector, including in mental health services and services for older people.
- Performance
Ireland’s healthcare system is one of the lowest performing in the northern hemisphere.
- Austerity
The healthcare system was weakened by a lack of investment in services and infrastructure during the austerity years, leaving the system under pressure when faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Ireland’s healthcare system is dual (both public and private options). The public system is regulated by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Specialist Care is in Galway and Dublin
The Mayo Medical Academy is a branch of the University of Galway Medical School, and located in Castlebar, Co Mayo. Positive and supportive, the academy is on the grounds of Mayo University Hospital, with 60 students in their third, fourth, and final year of training
Senior Housing/Long-Term Care
Ireland’s senior housing and long-term care sector is in crisis due to a number of factors, including:
- Aging population
Ireland’s population is aging faster than its EU neighbors, and the number of people over 85 is projected to increase by 46%. The need for long-term care increases with age: about 22% of people over 85 in Ireland require long-term care.
- Nursing home closures
Nursing home closures has more than doubled in the last four years; more than 20 nursing homes have closed since 2019.
- Funding crisis
Nursing homes are facing a funding crisis due to rising costs and only marginal increases in income. The Fair Deal Rate pricing mechanism is no longer suitable for the current operating environment.
- COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the long-term residential care (LTRC) sector, with high rates of infections, mortality, and staff absenteeism.
- Feminization of care
Women are more likely to provide unpaid care and are often the primary caregivers. This can negatively impact women’s participation in the labor market.
To address the crisis, some have called for immediate action to stem nursing home closures, and an urgent review of the Fair Deal pricing mechanism.
Ireland: Refugee Crisis 2024
The current state of refugees in Ireland is marked by a high number of refugees and asylum seekers, increased immigration, and a shortage of accommodation:
- Number of refugees and asylum seekers
In 2022, the Republic of Ireland hosted over 61,000 refugees and asylum seekers, and Northern Ireland hosted over 3,200. In 2023, Ireland’s refugee statistics were 113,902, a 40.18% increase from 2022.
- Immigration
Ireland has experienced net immigration every year since 2015. In 2023, the estimated net immigration was just under 78,000, the highest since 2007. This includes many Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion.
- Accommodation shortage
The Department of Integration is unable to provide accommodation to all international protection applicants due to a severe shortage.
- Disinformation
Disinformation campaigns about the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum have been used to manipulate public opinion and incite violence.
*Timothy F. Gibbons, M.Sc. is a retired Healthcare Executive and Digital Dummy.
