A Clare Fianna Fáil councillor claims she feels optimistic about the prospect of buying a home given what she refers to as the expanding “opportunities” for young people.
It comes as a new survey has found that the vast majority of young adults in Ireland know someone who can’t afford to move out of home.
In a week when plans were unveiled for what would be the largest housing development ever built in Ennis, the conversation around home ownership has once again taken a downward turn.
A survey conducted by iReach has found that almost nine in 10 people aged between 18 and 24 know someone who’s still living in their parents’ house because they can’t afford to rent or buy.
The findings reveal that 45% of people in Dublin know someone who’s emigrated because of unaffordable housing, while a third of people in Munster have had a friend or loved one emigrate for the same reason.
Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor Rachel Hartigan is 23-years-old and lives at home.
She claims there’s a growing air of positivity around young people when it comes to the housing market.
In April, the average price of a home in Clare was €280,500, which makes it the 12th month in a row when the average here was over €250,000.
Ardnacrusha-based Clare Macra member, Lucy Killackey, says it’s simply not affordable for people her age.
A total of 69,900 people emigrated from Ireland last year, while 149,200 moved to the country.
Kilkee native and Director of Policy at Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ireland, Mike Taylor, who was previously a Local Election candidate for Fine Gael.
He believes many who’ve left Ireland are returning and bringing skills back with them.
You can listen to the full interview here:
