‘Cowen calls for European strategy to tackle housing crisis’

Barry Cowen TD, the Fianna Fáil candidate for the European Elections in the Midlands North West, has called for a Europe-led approach to tackle the housing crisis. 

Housing has become a Europe-wide issue, and Deputy Cowen is backing calls from his Fianna Fáil colleague Barry Andrews for the introduction of a new EU Strategy on Housing. 

Last month, the MEP for Dublin outlined to the European Parliament the need for the establishment of a new European Commissioner on Housing and a special Committee on Housing. 

Deputy Cowen can confirm the proposal has full party support from Fianna Fáil, and, if elected to Europe on June 7th, he will push for an EU Strategy on Housing when the Parliament begins its next term. 

“Housing has become an increasingly significant issue at European level, and it is an EU problem rather than an Irish one, with property prices soaring 40% across Europe since 2016,” Deputy Cowen said. 

“As my colleague Barry Andrews recently told the European Parliament Chamber in Strasbourg, we need to adopt an EU-wide strategy to tackle the housing crisis. 

“I am not just talking about Ireland, Europe has been plunged further into its own housing crisis in recent years, and Fianna Fáil is calling for a Europe-wide solution. 

“The latest EuroConstruct report states construction output in Ireland is predicted to increase by 4.4% this year - the strongest rate of growth among 19 European countries analysed. 

“Ireland’s growth is despite overall construction activity contracting by 2.1% across Europe, exemplifying the extent of the problem amid economic uncertainty, rising interest rates and reduced credit. 

“Over 100,000 homes have been built since Fianna Fáil re-entered government in 2020 - more than in the past two Governments combined - with permission granted for 41,225 homes this year, a 21% increase on 2023. However Ireland’s progress is still being inhibited by outdated and strict EU debt rules. 

“That is why it is necessary to establish an EU Strategy on Housing which would include a Committee and pave the way for reforms, provide accessible supports to increase construction output and provide more housing and social housing, as well as retaking control of the rental market. 

“This is not just an Irish problem, it is a European one - and it’s time for Europe to act accordingly. Ireland is already outperforming its fellow EU Member States, with more investment we could build even more homes across the country to finally solve the housing crisis.”