Kilrush, Co Clare: we need to remove barriers to people living over the shop in our towns and cities. I think most political parties see that as their priority, even if they differ on how it should be achieved. Not to mention the housing deficit we have as a result of a lost construction decade following the financial crash. To close the gap, the Government should turn to the recommendations presented in a recent report by the Vacant to Vibrant Building Alliance. The Government has introduced the Living Cities Initiative, Croí Cónaithe grants and vacant site levies, but it needs to do more.

Source: The Irish Times March 10, 2026 15:00 UTC