Tóibín: Aontú would keep rent pressure zones and scrap VAT on housing materials if in government
AONTÚ LEADER PEADAR Tóibín today outlined three policies that his party would adopt in an effort to resolve the housing crisis, coming off the back of the party's Ard Fheis yesterday.
The Ard Fheis was held in Gormanstown, Co Meath yesterday, and was shown live on RTÉ in a signifier of the party's growth since its establishment in 2019. The party now has two TDs in Tóibín and Paul Lawless, one senator in Sarah O'Reilly, and six councillors.
Among the topics discussed at the event were immigration, housing, and government spending.
Today, Tóibín reiterated several of his views. He called for the housing crisis to be declared an emergency, an approach similar to other opposition parties. This would allow the government to push through policies for the public good that would not typically be permitted, such as bypassing some planning laws and objections.
The housing target for this year is 41,000 homes, as set out in the programme for government. It became clear earlier this year that
it was incredibly unlikely that the government would manage to meet its self-imposed housing target
.
Last year,
the government missed out on the 40,000 homes
then Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien said it was aiming for, and
Housing for All
plan's target of 33,450.
The government has also
signalled imminent change to rent pressure zones
(RPZs). The rent caps are due to expire at the end of this year.
Advertisement
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín speaking at the party's Ard Fheis at the City North hotel in Gormanstown.
Alan Rowlette / © RollingNews.ie
Alan Rowlette / © RollingNews.ie / © RollingNews.ie
If Aontú were to enter government, it would keep rent pressure zones as well as scrapping VAT on housing materials, including construction of homes, Tóibín said.
'We would actually lower the VAT in terms of building homes. At the moment, you have an incredible situation where Micheál Martin is actually talking about getting rid of rent caps to families who are paying two thousand euros [a month].
'We will keep the rent pressure zones and make it cheaper to build homes by getting rid of VAT. It is absolutely wrong that you have VAT in terms of building those homes,' Tóibín said.
In February, the party leader released figures provided by the government that showed that the government had collected
close to €3 billion in VAT on housing materials and construction services in 2024
, the highest amount ever collected in a single year.
In 2015, the figure was set at €1.2m.
'We'd make it far easier to draw down the refurbishment grants for the 168,000 empty homes. The speed that the government is going in at the moment, in terms of those means it's going to take 115 years before those homes can be brought back into use,' Tóibín said.
Operation Shamrock was also discussed. The Aontú initiative would see Irish construction workers in Canada and Australia offered a €10,000 grant to return home and work in the sector for four years.
'We would use current construction exemption regulation to build homes for those in a far speeder time than it takes at the moment.'
On other issues, party delegates
yesterday voted
to adopt party motions including a ban on allowing anyone who has purposefully destroyed their documents to enter the country, and a ban of 'the introduction of Sharia law' or 'community courts of any religion'.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
Dublin awash with colour as thousands take part in Pride parade
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE have taken to the streets of Dublin to mark this year's Pride parade. Organisers said there were more than 12,000 people marching in the annual parade. This year's event also celebrated a milestone 10 years of marriage equality. The capital's streets were filled with an array of colour, music and dance as the parade made its way to Merrion Square's Pride Village for speeches and entertainment. Among those taking part was Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Labour leader Ivana Bacik, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers. Citing the previous work of the Government to address gay rights and equality, Martin told the crowd at Merrion Square that he is aware 'our work is far from done'. Martin was forced to raise his voice as a small number of protesters shouted for better trans rights and health care access during his speech. Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin with Lord Mayor Emma Blain at the Pride parade in Dublin City centre today. Justin Farrelly / © Justin Farrelly / © / © The Fianna Fáil leader said: 'LGBTIQ+ people in Ireland today still face a myriad of challenges, and the Government is committed to bolstering our efforts to address these challenges and delivering for our LGBTIQ+ citizens. 'There are global trends of increased harassment and persecution of LGBTIQ+ people across the world, which make many of our LGBTIQ+ citizens feel deeply concerned and unsafe. 'This is not the vision for Ireland that we are striving to build.' Martin continued: 'Our goal is to build a society in which LGBTIQ+ people can live safe, inclusive, healthy and fulfilling lives in an accepting and compassionate Ireland. 'The new LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy will promote and respect the right of LGBTIQ+ people to live their lives safely, free of harassment and violence. 'It will advance health and wellbeing outcomes through improved investment and access to a range of health services. 'It will build on initiatives already undertaken within the business community and by employers so that LGBTIQ+ people are enabled to participate fully within the workplace. 'This new strategy will seek to deliver a fairer and more inclusive Ireland, and Government departments and state agencies are determined to work together to that end.' The grand marshal of Dublin Pride, Ruadhán Ó Criodáin, who has long advocated for LGBT+ rights, told the crowd in Merrion Square: 'We all want better futures for the next generation of queer people, but without education or health care, trans people can't see those futures for ourselves. 'I know you won't let our community die for the want of a future. I know that each of you will stand with trans people, I know that you will stand up and fight back. 'I know that you won't give in to the transphobe you've seen take hold in the UK, because we are stronger than that. 'The far right and the TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminism) movement want to divide the LGBT community.' 'They want to isolate your trans siblings, because then it'll be easier to tear us all apart. Advertisement 'If they come for us first, they will come for all of you next. But I won't let that happen to my community, and I know you'll promise me the same. 'There is no LGBT without the T.' Dublin Mayor Emma Blaine said: 'Today, we march through the heart of our capital, a city that celebrates diversity, embraces inclusion and champions equality. 'Pride is more than a parade. It's a powerful statement of love, of visibility and of resilience. 'It's a celebration of how far we have come and a reminder of the work still ahead. 'Dublin has a proud history of standing up for the rights of its citizens. 'We remember today, the trailblazers, the activists and the everyday people who fought and continue to fight for dignity, respect and justice.' She added: 'To our LGBTQ+ young people, know that you are valued, you are seen, and you belong, this city stands with you. 'To all the allies here today, thank you for walking beside us, not just today, but every day.' Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The parade started at O'Connell Street at 12.30pm, and travelled along Eden Quay and Custom House Quay before crossing the Talbot Memorial Bridge, up Lombard Street and Westland Row before finishing at Merrion Square. The non-ticketed festival at the Pride Village included music, food stalls, acts and speeches on the main stage. In his last year as president, Michael D Higgins offered his warmest greetings ahead of the Pride parade. He said: 'This annual celebration is a vital affirmation of the rights, dignity, and joy of our LGBT+ communities. 'It is a time, too, to remember with gratitude the courage of those who paved the way for progress when marching was not safe, who gave voice to truths that were long silenced, and who set the foundations for the inclusive Ireland that we continue to strive towards today. 'In recent years, great strides have been made in advancing the rights and recognition of LGBT+ people in Ireland. 'In celebrating Pride this year, we are also marking the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum, a moment that spoke of the kind of Ireland we aspire to be: inclusive, generous, an Ireland that is unafraid to affirm the equal worth of all of our citizens. 'Yet, we must also acknowledge that the journey is not complete. 'A truly inclusive society is one where all can live authentically and creatively, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, where all can participate fully, and where all voices are not only heard but valued, in all their richness and diversity. 'Pride remains a vital expression of that vision in challenging us to deepen our commitment to human rights, to solidarity, and to the kind of republic that cherishes all of its people equally. 'In a time when hard-won rights are being questioned in many parts of the world, such vigilance and unity are more vital than ever.' There were road closures in the city centre.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Kneecap pack out Glastonbury stage & lead crowd in chants against Keir Starmer as defiant rapper roars ‘I'm a free man'
DEFIANT Kneecap member Mo Chara roared, 'Glastonbury, I'm a free man!' as the Irish rap trio took to the West Holts Stage at the festival. The Gaelgoir group, who hail from Belfast, have been in the headlines after member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was 6 Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap performing on the West Holts stage Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage 6 DJ Provaí on stage during the one hour performance Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage 6 Tens of thousands attended the Kneecap performance earlier today Credit: Matt Crossick/Empics/Alamy Live News News broadcasts criticising the hip hop trio played from the sound system before they Access to the area around the West Holts Stage was Member Naoise O Caireallain, who performs under the name Moglai Bap, said: 'The Prime Minister of your country, not mine, said he didn't want us to play, so f*** O hAnnaidh, 27, wore a keffiyeh during the set, while member JJ O Dochartaigh, who performs under the name DJ Provai, wore his signature tri-coloured balaclava as well as a T-shirt that said: 'We are all Palestine Action' in reference to the soon-to-be banned campaign group. READ MORE IN SHOWBIZ Rap punk duo Bob Vylan performed on the stage before Kneecap and led the crowd in chants of 'Free, free Palestine' and 'Death, death to the IDF'. In the run up to the festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset, several British politicians called for the group to be removed from the line-up and UK prime minister Keir Starmer said their performance would not be 'appropriate'. Earlier today, the BBC confirmed they would not be live-streaming the set but said the performance is likely to be made available on-demand later. A BBC spokesperson said: 'As the broadcast partner, the BBC is bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN 'While the BBC doesn't ban artists, our plans ensure that our programming meets our editorial guidelines. Fury as Glastonbury crowd chants 'death to the IDF' during Bob Vylan set aired live on BBC 'We don't always live-stream every act from the main stages and look to make an on-demand version of Kneecap's performance available on our digital platforms, alongside more than 90 other sets.' Earlier the band said on Instagram: 'The propaganda wing of the regime has just contacted us…. 'They WILL put our set from Glastonbury today on the iPlayer later this evening for your viewing pleasure.' During their set at Glastonbury today, Mo Chara said: "The BBC editor is going to have some job." MORE PERFORMANCES O hAnnaidh, 27, was charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah' at a gig in November last year. On June 18th, the rapper was cheered by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh at Westminster Magistrates' Court in Free Mo Chara T-shirts. Also playing on Saturday afternoon were Leeds rock band Kaiser Chiefs and US star Brandi Carlile, who released an album with Elton John earlier in the year. Irish singer CMAT, who played the Pyramid Stage on Friday, performed a secret set at the BBC Introducing stage on Saturday. Neil Young, best known for songs such as Rockin' In The Free World, Like A Hurricane and Cinnamon Girl, headlined the Pyramid Stage on Saturday night with his band the Chrome Hearts. The BBC broadcast Young's set after previously saying it would not be shown 'at the artist's request'. 6 The West Holts stage was shut off before the performance to avoid a crowd crush Credit: Guy Bell/Alamy Live News 6 The group's much-anticipated appearance at Glastonbury had been criticised by PM Sir Keir Starmer Credit: Guy Bell/Alamy Live News 6 Groups of fans arrived to form a sea of Irish and Palestinian flags in front of the stage Credit: Matt Crossick/Empics/Alamy Live News
Irish Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Kneecap at Glastonbury Festival: What happened during the hip-hop trio's set
After weeks of controversy surrounding the Irish rap trio, crowds at the West Holts Stage went wild as Kneecap appeared on the stage. Audiences cheered and chanted in response to the group, who said they played to their 'biggest crowd' at Glastonbury Festival 2025. The crowd were given a two minute warning ahead of the band's appearance. The trio consists of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, who entered the crowd at one point wearing his signature Irish flag balaclava. Mo Chara told the audience "I'm a free man" when the group appeared on West Holts Stage on Saturday afternoon. Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury became one of the biggest talking points of this year's event - with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer even chipping in on whether they should be allowed to perform. But with such high anticipation and a whole lot of buzz around the gig, they attracted a huge crowd of passionate fans - with many Palestine and Irish flags waving in the audience. As huge crowds were building outside the West Holts Stage at Worthy Farm almost an hour before the gig was due to take place, the festival decided to close off the stage to try and prevent overcrowding. At one stage, Kneecap called for a riot as they headlined the West Holts stage. The group called for people to "start a riot" outside of court for Mo's next date at Westminster. However, they later backtracked and said they didn't want a riot before adding: "But the stress we are under is nothing compared to the Palestinian people." At one point, a moshpit opened up for the most excited revellers, while others started up political chants of "F**k Keir Starmer" have joined shouts of "Free Palestine" and "F**k the Daily Mail". Musician Jelani Blackman joined Kneecap on stage for Harrow Road, before finishing his guest appearance with calls of "free free" to which the crows responds "Palestine". Kneecap also took some time in their set to thank the Eavis family for not being pressured to drop them from the schedule. There had been calls from many to axe them from the festival amid the court case but the Eavis family stayed strong in their wish and Kneecap kept their place on one of the festival's many stages. A SomersetLive reporter, who was in the crowd during the set, said that at least two people were removed from the crowd at various points, though it is unclear what they were removed for. As the show was coming to an end, sparking boos from the crowd, the Irish trio asked if there were "any English here today". While some subdued cheers came from the audience, one band member said: "No no, we're better than that." "We f***ing love the English people, it's the English government we don't like," came the response as the audience burst into loud cheers once again. "With a final chant of "free free Palestine" Kneecap has ended their Glastonbury set, to the 'biggest audience' the trio say they've ever had. As they closed their set, Kneecap had one more message for the crowd. "The story isn't about Kneecap, it's about what's happening in Palestine," they told fans before leading one more chant of f*** Keir Starmer and a screen read: "The British Government is enabling genocide."
