As Ireland’s housing shortage deepens, a growing number of experts are calling for radical and urgent action to address the housing crisis. New proposals suggest that the country must build at least 93,000 homes annually until 2031 — a figure that far exceeds the government’s current target of 60,000 per year.

These proposals aim to dramatically boost supply, address affordability, and curb the impact of Ireland’s worsening cost-of-living and emigration pressures amidst the ongoing housing crisis. From reclaiming land to modular builds and downsizing incentives, experts say a complete rethink is needed if the housing system is to be saved.

Why 93,000 Homes?

Ireland’s population continues to grow rapidly, while housing completions have fallen short year after year in light of the housing crisis. Experts argue that the government’s commitment to building 60,000 homes a year is simply not enough to meet demand.

A more realistic target, according to independent economists and housing advocates, is closer to 93,000 new homes per year for the next six years — a number that would account for:

• Backlogs in demand
• Projected population growth
• A healthier balance in the rental and buyer markets
• Reducing homelessness and overcrowding

Reclaiming Dublin Bay: A Controversial but Creative Solution

One of the boldest proposals involves reclaiming land from Dublin Bay to create high-density housing developments.

• Advocates argue this would allow for affordable, city-based homes
• It would also ease pressure on suburban sprawl and limit long commutes
• Critics, however, raise environmental and heritage concerns

This idea echoes similar land reclamation projects seen in countries like the Netherlands and Singapore.

Modular Homes and Smaller Dwellings

Another major proposal is to rethink the Irish obsession with large, traditional homes. Instead, experts suggest:

• Investing in modular and prefabricated homes that can be built faster and cheaper
• Amending design standards to allow smaller apartments or terraced homes
• Fast-tracking planning permission for compact developments in key urban areas

These solutions are aimed at first-time buyers and renters, particularly younger generations struggling to access housing.

Incentivising Downsizing

To address the supply squeeze, especially in urban areas, another suggestion gaining momentum is to encourage older homeowners to downsize:

• Offer tax breaks or relocation grants for those moving to smaller properties
• Create age-friendly, modern housing options in urban centres
• Free up larger family homes for the next generation

This could help rebalance the housing stock without requiring massive new builds in every instance.

What’s Holding It Back?

Despite these forward-thinking ideas, Ireland’s housing system continues to face:

• Lengthy planning processes
• Local resistance to higher-density developments
• Cost and land availability issues
• A skills shortage in the construction industry

Without major policy reform and political will, experts warn that incremental change won’t be enough.

Final Word

The call to build 93,000 homes per year may sound ambitious — but according to many within Ireland’s housing and planning sectors, ambition is exactly what’s needed.

From reclaiming Dublin Bay to downsizing incentives and modular housing, these proposals offer a roadmap out of the crisis — but only if acted on swiftly and decisively.

Ireland’s housing future will depend not just on building more, but on building smarter.

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