New builds in Kildare nearly halved in 2024

LAST YEAR, 1,426 new houses were built in the whole of Kildare, and according to North Kildare Sinn Féin TD Réada Cronin this is simply not enough to meet demand.

The CSO has revealed that 30,330 houses were built last year – short of the ‘close to 40,000’ outlined by the government.

Ms Cronin said: “Last year, we heard the taoiseach, tánaiste and minister for housing pledge that 40,000 new houses would be built. Today, the CSO has revealed that the state built 30,330 houses, short of their own target for the year and down on the 32,695 that were built in 2023.

“1,426 new houses were built in Kildare in 2024. While this may be higher than in other areas around the country, the numbers have fallen drastically since 2023, when 2,706 houses were built in Kildare. This is nearly half the amount.

“This falls short of the increasing demand in Kildare North especially, where many who are on waiting lists hoping to own a home of their own are left to wait in uncertainty for long periods of time.

“This is unacceptable,” added Ms Cronin.

The recently-elected Sinn Féin TD proposes a “radical approach to housing,” and said: “The government have thus far refused the necessary reforms to public and private housing delivery.

“Building is not enough; we must make sure that housing is genuinely affordable for people. I believe the only way to do this is to radically ramp up social housing that would be available for both affordable purchase and affordable rent.

“This government is not serious about making housing accessible and affordable. Housing prices increased 9% again last year, according to Daft.ie. This is simply not sustainable.

‘‘I wish James Browne, the new minister for housing, all the best in his role. He needs a radically different approach in the role to his predecessor to address the massive shortcomings of the previous government.”