There are other innovative ways that finance could be secured for housing, writes Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne.
The Irish government is revisiting Celtic Tiger policies, offering tax breaks to developers and deals for investor funds, leading to a potential over-reliance on private sector involvement in housing. This approach is facing internal opposition and delays in social and affordable housing projects. The Social Democrats propose alternative measures including closing tax loopholes for investment funds, increasing stamp duty on bulk home purchases, and boosting finance for Approved Housing Bodies. They also advocate for maintaining rent caps and introducing a rent register.
