Ireland has a culture of 'Nimbyism' that hinders efforts to solve the housing crisis, the Taoiseach has said.
He said there are too many objections - "left, right and centre" - to housing developments in this country, which
Micheál Martin was speaking to The Hard Shoulder after today unveiling the Government's long-promised 'Housing for All' plan.
The €4 billion per year plan pledges that 300,000 new homes will be built between now and 2030.
That includes 90,000 social homes and 54,000 affordable homes.
The Taoiseach told Kieran Cuddihy this is the roadmap for addressing the housing crisis and the Government "ain't changing now".
He said: "We’re going to work to deliver it.
“Delivery is the key here. We’ve set the targets out… there’s no hiding.
“This is a clear framework for investors, builders, purchasers."
Mr Martin suggested the housing affordability and supply crisis is the "biggest social crisis of our time", and the plan represents an "unprecedented" investment in housing.
Along with the investment in house building, there'll also be a focus on measures such as training more construction workers.
It will also see the end of strategic housing developments and a "return of planning decisions to local authorities".
The Taoiseach was asked whether there's a "culture of Nimbyism" that stymies efforts to build more homes in Ireland.
He responded: "I think there is, and I think we all have to be honest with ourselves.
"We have a real crisis on our hands. We've got to really get that, all of us.
"All political parties need to pull back from this and say we can’t object to everything that turns up. Young people in this country do need a chance to live in affordable houses.
“I just think there are too many objections - left, right and centre. I don't mind people wanting to improve things... but when it goes to the level of judicial reviews, that's really sapping the morale of people who want to get things done in this country."
