Good morning everyone,
My name is Adam, and today I want to talk about something that’s affecting families, students, and whole communities across Ireland, the housing crisis. I know that phrase gets thrown around a lot, but behind it are real people and real struggles. And to be honest, it’s something that worries me and most of my generation, because it’s shaping what our future in this country will look like.
So, what exactly is the housing crisis? In simple terms, it means there aren’t enough affordable homes for people to live in. Buying a house now costs more than most people could ever dream of earning, and renting isn’t much better. In many places, the rent for a small apartment is higher than the average monthly wage.
We hear stories all the time of young couples living with their parents well into their thirties, families being evicted and students having to drop out of college because they can’t find a place to stay near campus. In Dublin, Galway, Cork, and even smaller towns, people are competing for every available flat or room. Some are paying hundreds just to share a room with strangers. And then there are those who have nowhere at all like the thousands of people sleeping in emergency accommodation, in cars, or on the streets.
I think the housing crisis is one of the most serious issues in Ireland today because it affects everything — from education and employment to mental health and family life. When people can’t afford somewhere to live, it creates stress, instability, and hopelessness. It’s not just about buildings or bricks; it’s about dignity, safety, and the feeling of belonging somewhere. Everyone in this room can agree that everyone needs somewhere to live and somewhere to be safe.
For our generation, it’s especially worrying. Most of us dream of one day moving out, getting a job, maybe renting a flat with friends, or eventually buying our own place. But right now, that feels almost impossible. Even people with good jobs struggle to save for a deposit because rents are so high. I’ve heard adults say that young people are lazy or don’t work hard enough, but that’s just not true.
There are many reasons that this crisis has worsened. For years, not enough houses were built, and many that were built were bought up by investment funds or landlords instead of families. Construction costs are huge, planning takes forever, and there’s a shortage of affordable social housing.
What makes it worse is that this crisis didn’t appear overnight. Governments have been warned about it for years, but they kept ignoring it. Now it’s reached a point where almost everyone knows someone who’s struggling.
So, what do I want done about it?
First of all, I want the government to take real action, not just talk about plans and strategies that never seem to happen. They need to build more affordable and social housing, not luxury apartments that no one on a normal income can afford. They should introduce stronger rent controls so landlords can’t just hike up the prices whenever they want.
Second, we need to protect renters’ rights. Too many people live in fear of eviction or unfair treatment. Housing should be treated as a human right, not as a way for investors to make money.
Third, I think there should be better support for students and young people. College accommodation is a joke. It’s too expensive, overcrowded, and in many cases, too far from campus. No student should have to choose between getting an education or having a roof over their head.
We can’t keep calling this “a crisis” and then act like it’s normal. It’s not normal for people to work full-time and still not afford rent. It’s not normal for students to sleep in cars. And it’s not normal for thousands of houses to sit empty while people are homeless.
I believe our generation has a voice, and we need to use it. Whether that’s by voting, protesting, or simply speaking out but we can demand change. Because having a home shouldn’t be a dream. It should be a basic right.
Thank you.