Collins warns housing crisis will worsen as homelessness passes 17,000 and government refuses to act on rising building costs

Collins warns housing crisis will worsen as homelessness passes 17,000 and government refuses to act on carbon tax

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins has warned that Ireland’s housing crisis is set to worsen, as new figures show homelessness has risen to over 17,300 people in emergency accommodation, including a growing number of children.

Responding to the latest data, Deputy Collins said the figures underline a crisis that is deepening month by month, with no meaningful intervention from Government to address the root causes.

“These figures are stark. More than 17,000 people now without a home, including families and children. The situation is getting worse,” he said.

He said the Government will once again point to international factors such as war and global instability, but insisted that domestic decisions are driving the crisis.

“We know the line that will be used — wars, global pressures, and external factors. But the reality is that there are decisions within Government control that are making this situation worse, and they are refusing to act,” he said.

Deputy Collins pointed to the continued application of carbon tax as a key factor increasing the cost of building homes.

“Carbon tax is adding to the cost of construction at every level — materials, transport, and energy. Those increased costs mean fewer homes are built and delivered,” he said.

He referenced the position previously outlined by Michael Fitzmaurice, who has highlighted the impact of fuel costs on economic activity and development.

“Rising fuel costs are restricting productivity and increasing costs across the board. Yet the Government continues to press ahead with policies that make building homes more expensive,” he said.

Deputy Collins said the refusal to reduce or suspend carbon tax is contributing directly to the worsening housing situation.

“If the Government is serious about tackling homelessness and the housing crisis, then it must reduce the cost of delivering homes. Cutting carbon tax is an immediate and practical step they can take,” he said.

He warned that without urgent action, homelessness figures will continue to rise.

“You cannot have record homelessness and at the same time maintain policies that push up the cost of housing delivery. That contradiction is at the heart of this crisis,” he said.

Deputy Collins called for a change in approach, with a focus on reducing costs and accelerating supply.

He concluded by warning that the situation will deteriorate further if current policies remain unchanged.

“Unless there is a shift in policy, these numbers will continue to rise — and the crisis will deepen.”