Author: Alexia O'Brien

“Two tickets to homeownership, please!”

You have probably seen on social media either ads or people sharing “win a home” posts. They are always the same, usually telling you to like the post and follow the page for more opportunities, possibly “tag 3 friends”, and for “only €100” you could have a chance at winning a house. Awesome, right?! Well…… Read more »

Breaking the Mould

“And the best part, there isn’t any mould!” That is what I was told the last time I was looking for a room to rent. What is worse, is that was the best part. Like many looking for a room/apartment/house for rent, or even to buy, my eyes automatically scan to the corners of the… Read more »

Photo by Jeffrey Czum: https://www.pexels.com/photo/three-pink-green-and-yellow-houses-2904142/

A Quick Look at “Delivering Homes, Building Communities”

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage released their newest housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, last week to much anticipation. While I think it is easy to immediately jump to negativity (I mean, how can you not when you take even the smallest look at where we are right now in the housing… Read more »

Affordable or “affordable”…which is it?

Clúid housing announced they are now taking applications for a new cost-rental scheme in Belmayne that includes 1-, 2-, and 3-bed apartments. This, of course, is a good thing. Affordable housing is crucially needed and should be celebrated when either Approved Housing Bodies or the State are trying to deliver housing for more people. 1-bed… Read more »

“Do not take advantage of the poor just because you can” …except students, that’s fine: how digs are sticking students with high prices and low rewards.

In August, my colleague Kevin Hargaden posted a blog on the scramble for student accommodation and dignity in housing, drawing important attention on how we see quality housing contributing to the “common good”. The piece argues that we need affordable housing near to campuses, and I agree. But what we also need—and a thought that… Read more »

Picture of terraced housing with the sky showing

CMAT, the Celtic Tiger, and Christianity: what an unlikely trio can teach us about Irish housing

Irish country-pop singer, CMAT, recently released a new song “Euro-Country” in which she depicts life in Ireland since the Celtic Tiger and the Crash. The song is beautiful and haunting, reminding us of the legacy of the Boom and the Bust-era and how it, to this day, has its grip on every aspect of our lives.… Read more »