Environment Committee to focus on current housing demand issues

The schedule for the meeting is:

Session A: 2.45 p.m.
Representatives of Circle Voluntary Housing Association, Clúid Housing Association, and Respond Housing Association; and

Session B: 4.15 p.m.
Focus Ireland; Simon Communities of Ireland; and Community Action Network.

Michael McCarthy TD, Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht, said: “There has been much commentary recently on housing demand and supply in Ireland with some warning of a housing shortage, particularly in large urban areas, due to the low rate of housing construction since the property and construction crash. Estimates vary on the level of new housing construction necessary to address the issue. For instance, according to a recent report from the Housing Agency, almost 80,000 housing units will need to be built over the next five years to meet demand from a growing population. Tomorrow we will have a chance to address the issue of current housing demand and supply with a number of frontline organisations involved in providing housing and accommodation throughout the country. Among the issues we hope to address tomorrow are: general housing policy, as well as the delivery of housing and housing services, promoting good practice in housing management and supporting the delivery of quality housing in well-designed neighbourhoods.”

This meeting will start in Committee Room 4, Leinster House at 2.15pm tomorrow, Tuesday 15th April 2014.

Committee proceedings can be followed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.

Media enquiries to:

Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Email: Ciaran.brennan@oireachtas.ie

Membership of the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht

Deputies: James Bannon TD (Fine Gael); Paudie Coffey TD (Fine Gael); Noel Coonan (Fine Gael) Leas-Chathaoirleach; Marcella Corcoran Kennedy TD (Fine Gael); Barry Cowen (Fianna Fáil); Luke Flanagan TD (Independent); Kevin Humphreys TD (Labour); Michael McCarthy TD (Labour) Cathaoirleach; Sandra McLellan TD (Sinn Féin); Tony Mc Loughlin TD (Fine Gael); Michelle Mulherin TD (Fine Gael); Catherine Murphy TD (Independent); Gerald Nash TD (Labour); Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD;  Brian Stanley TD (Sinn Féin).

Senators: Senator Cáit Keane (Fine Gael) Senator Denis Landy (Labour); An Seanadóir Fiach Mac Conghail (Neamhspleách); Senator Catherine Noone (Fine Gael); An Seanadóir Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fáil): Senator Ned O’Sullivan (Fianna Fáil).