Our young people are in crisis and the EU must respond – MEP Maria Walsh

The young people of Ireland could greatly benefit from the introduction of an EU-wide Strategy specifically focused on providing assistance with the cost of living and housing crisis. That’s the view of MEP Maria Walsh, who is calling for the introduction of a strategy to increase funding for affordable housing and to promote private sector investment in housing construction. Speaking from the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week, she called on MEPs from all across Europe to work collectively to develop tangible solutions to Europe’s housing crisis. The strategy, she added, must also include plans to enhance education and skills to develop a more skilled workforce, and to implement reforms in the housing sector.

The Midlands-North-West representative acknowledged that the rising cost of living is affecting everyone, with people spending more of their income on basic living expenses such as housing, food and utilities. However, she pointed out that the younger generation tends to be more affected than most, as they balance part-time jobs with lower wages, instability in these roles, and the struggle to find decent housing solutions relative to their work, study and circumstances.

“In many of our cities and urban areas, housing costs have surged, making it impossible for younger generations to afford homes. A record number are living with their parents and they are feeling a sense of hopelessness. Indeed, it’s hard not to feel hopeless when housing prices in Dublin are starting at €600,000 in many areas,” she reasoned.

Continuing, she pointed out that there has been a great shortage of construction workers since the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008. “We lost a generation of apprentices who were forced to emigrate for work. In addition, we have significant delays and bureaucratic red tape in planning permissions, again leading to a slower pace of construction. These factors, and others, have contributed to the insufficient supply of homes in Ireland, and across the EU. Periods of underinvestment in housing, and the subsequent increase in demand due to population increases has exposed the need for more investment in the construction of new homes, and the revamping of derelict buildings and house zones not developed for over a decade,” added MEP Walsh.

Noting that the EU has supported initiatives related to affordable housing, energy efficiency, and urban development, she said a new focus on young people is needed. “This is a crisis, and we need to respond. Creating more affordable housing options is of utmost importance, because a home is much more than shelter, it is security, and it is a future. We must work together and develop tangible solutions to our housing crisis, specifically for our young people,” concluded MEP Walsh.