Minister says housing crisis can be solved given ‘time’

The Minister for Housing is confident this government can solve the housing crisis.

Minister James Browne made the statement to the Celt during his visit to Monaghan this day last week, the same day published figures showed the number of homeless people in the State passed the 17,000 mark for the first time in January.

The Fianna Fáil minister was in the county to visit the affordable housing scheme at Sean Ghardíní in Carrickmacross, and also the Slí na Coille and Slí Lorcan in Monaghan Town, among other engagements.

The Celt caught up with him at the official opening of the new fire station in Ballybay and asked Minister Browne what he’d say to people - young renters or those still living in bedrooms in their parents’ houses - who feel the housing crisis will never be solved.

“I believe we can solve the housing crisis but I acknowledge people are facing some very challenging situations now, being able to get the home they want to live in. I want them to be able to live in their own local communities, whether that’s rural Ireland, in our villages, our provincial towns, or indeed our cities. Whether that’s social, affordable or a private home - that there’s a scheme to ensure that all of those homes are being delivered,” he said.

The Fianna Fáil TD feels people should have access to homes that provide them with a sense of safety and security. He said significant progress had been made during the 14 months since he became Minister, adding that record funding was going towards the delivery of homes across the country. Some schemes were being changed to accelerate that delivery too.

“I want to acknowledge the leadership of Monaghan Co Council, because I think they really are setting the standard for other local authorities to follow. We will get there, we are making those moves. It is going to take time unfortunately but we are going to get there,” the Minister said.

Joined by Fianna Fáil colleagues - Minister of State Niamh Smyth and Senator Robbie Gallagher - Minister Browne added: “[We are] meeting with the officials as well, to see how we can further drive on housing delivery here in Co Monaghan.”

Progress

Minister Smyth commented: “Monaghan Co Council have been absolutely ploughing ahead with delivery in housing and Minister James Browne has certainly not been behind the door in giving them funding to do this really important work.”

Senator Gallagher added: “We can see in this county the real difference this gentleman is making in housing. We have a vital mix of social, affordable and private. So, I commend the Minister on his excellent work to date.”

In Carrickmacross, the Minister visited Sean Ghardíní, the town’s first Affordable Purchase Scheme and the county’s second overall. The development includes 10 new affordable homes aimed at supporting eligible first-time buyers.

Demand for the scheme has been strong, with 39 applications received to date, and allocations expected to press ahead shortly.

At Slí na Coille, Monaghan Town, the Minister viewed 21 newly completed social homes, now ready for occupation.

These energy-efficient dwellings form part of the council’s ongoing programme to provide modern homes in established and well-connected neighbourhoods.

The Minister also visited Slí Lorcáin, one of the largest housing developments under construction in the county. The first phase of the development, comprising 22 homes, is complete and ready for occupation; while phase two, consisting of a further 29 homes, is progressing on schedule with delivery targeted for the third quarter of 2026.

Robert Burns, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, said: “Today’s visit highlights the tangible progress in housing delivery across County Monaghan. From building homes on council lands, to turnkey developments and providing affordable homes to buy or rent, we are committed to ensuring that individuals and families have access to modern, energy-efficient homes in vibrant communities. The projects visited today demonstrate what can be achieved through strong collaboration and sustained investment.”

He added: “From large-scale social housing developments to innovative affordable purchase schemes, our teams are working relentlessly to ensure that County Monaghan plays its part in meeting local housing need and addressing the national housing challenge. The developments visited today demonstrate our ability to deliver quality homes, on schedule, and in line with national policy.”

Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, P.J. O’Hanlon, added: “Housing remains one of the most important issues for our county, and it is encouraging to see these developments advancing at pace. The completion of homes in Monaghan Town and the new affordable purchase options in Carrickmacross will make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

“We look forward to welcoming new residents into these communities in the months ahead.”