Generation of young people in Kildare 'locked out of housing'

According to a recent survey by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), 86% of 25-year-olds living in the Republic are ‘very concerned’ about access to housing, while only 3.8% own their own home.

Réada Cronin, Sinn Féin TD for North Kildare, has expressed concern at the level of young people who are still living at home with their parents and who cannot get a place of their own.

Deputy Cronin said: “It is extremely worrying to see the amount of young people in North Kildare and around the country who are still living at home and who cannot afford to move out.

"Neither renting nor owning a home is an option for so many young people, regardless of their income. Rent and house prices have become exorbitant, forcing many to stay at home or emigrate.

"That the government is completely failing in its housing target is only exacerbating the problem.

"More must be done to aid young people in their search for rented accommodation, as the state is not providing sufficient resources to support a growing population."

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Deputy Cronin continued: "I would therefore urge parents of young adults to consider this the next time they vote. It is clear that this government has let young people down time and time again, as they force swathes into staying at home and send their best friends to foreign shores.

"The psychological impact this has on our young people is detrimental.

"There are many from older generations who are secure in their accommodation and have helped to build strong, supportive communities throughout the country.

"This privilege should be passed down to the next generation. According to this CSO survey, five in six young adults intend to live abroad for more than 12 months. We cannot afford to lose the next generation to what they consider greener pastures.

"It is imperative that the new government seriously address the issue of housing for young people so that it might not only persuade them to stay, but to encourage those who have left to return, if they so wish."