The total level of housing need throughout the country has been forecast in a number of Government commissioned reports. The Economic and Social Research Institute in its national investment priorities report forecast total housing demand at an average of 38,000 units per annum between 1996 and 2006 and 40,000 units per annum between 2006 and 2011. The first Bacon report forecast annual private housing output increasing from 37,000 in 1998 to 46,000 units by 2003 to meet increased housing demand which implies a need for total housing output of over 50,000 units by 2003. In both cases the likely scenario of substantial net inward migration was considered a significant factor in increasing housing demand.
These projected housing needs have been met and exceeded in 1998 with total housing output of 42,350 units. This Government has put in place a series of measures to ensure a continued increase in supply to meet housing need. Output so far for 1999 is well ahead of projections with a 24 per cent increase in output for the first quarter over the same period last year. This is a firm indication that the Government measures to increase housing supply have been effective in a relatively short time span. This significant increase in housing output strongly indicates another record-breaking year in 1999. I am particularly pleased that housing output in Dublin, which has been sluggish in recent years, was up 28 per cent on the first quarter of 1998.
