Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A report today indicates that new construction in Ireland is extremely carbon intensive. This is a reminder, as we grapple with the housing crisis, that we also have very poor occupancy rates. It is not just high vacancy; it is also that 92% of people in my age bracket are in accommodation that is substantially in excess of their needs. We have not made right-sizing a serious policy issue in order to help people make the necessary changes. It creates accommodation with no carbon impact. Refurbishment, which is the other option, has 25% of the carbon impact. As we tackle the housing crisis, we need to take right-sizing and vacancy much more seriously and ensure that authorities drive forward the relevant policies. We must also make changes in our tax system, means tests and the planning system to facilitate this.

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