Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow-Wexford, has expressed his frustration with the government’s failure to effectively address Ireland’s housing crisis, urging his party to adopt a more radical and ambitious approach to tackle the issue.
In an article penned in yesterdays Irish Times and during an interview on Morning Mix earlier this morning Deputy Byrne reflects on Fianna Fáil’s historical legacy of getting things done, citing its past successes, including the slum clearance efforts of the 1930s and the expansion of free secondary education in the 1960s. He argues that this spirit of action should define the party’s approach today, especially on housing.
Byrne is critical of the current government’s slow pace in delivering housing solutions. He highlights the inefficiency within government systems, noting that while public expenditure has increased by 90% since 2015, essential services like housing and infrastructure are still facing significant delays. He warns that without greater urgency, Fianna Fáil risks losing the trust of voters, particularly those who are struggling to find affordable homes.
As part of his critique, Byrne calls on government ministers to prioritize housing, stating that if their first question each morning is not, “How am I helping to provide more homes today?” then they are not focusing on the country’s most critical issue. He also takes issue with the growing size of the State, which he believes has become an obstacle to effective delivery, as bureaucracy and state agencies have become too focused on less pressing issues like digital infrastructure.
Byrne also warns that the anger and frustration over the housing crisis could lead voters to support extremist ideologies or disengage from the political system entirely. He stresses that Fianna Fáil, as the largest party in government, has a responsibility to address these concerns head-on and demonstrate that it can still deliver for the “ordinary decent people” who have supported the party for generations.
Deputy Byrne insists that Fianna Fáil must act with urgency. He calls for the party to take responsibility, abandon bureaucratic excuses and embrace a bold and ambitious vision for the country’s future—one that prioritizes housing and improves the lives of working families, students and people with disabilities.
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