Limerick employees seek urgent action as local housing supply falls

A MAJORITY of 86% of Limerick employees think that a housing emergency should be declared, according to a new survey by Limerick Chamber.

The findings of the Chamber's Employee Housing Survey 2025, sheds light on the housing aspirations and realities of workers across the region.

The research, the first of its kind in Limerick, underscores a growing disconnect between the strong demand for homeownership, as well as affordable rental options, among employees, and the limited supply of affordable and secure housing options in the Limerick market.

A total of 700 employees in Limerick were surveyed - revealing that rents in Limerick city are now 98% higher than in 2019, with county rents up 88% over the same period. Property prices also hit a record high in July 2025, up 10% year-on-year, and almost 60% higher than 2019.

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The report also provides an update on housing delivery in 2025 to date, showing that planning permissions in the first half of 2025 were down 43% on the same period in 2024, and 73% below 2022 levels.

Housing commencements between January and July 2025 fell 53% compared to 2024, pointing to weaker supply in the pipeline. Completions in the first half of 2025 were down slightly (3.4%) compared to 2024, though still above pre-pandemic levels.

The survey also revealed that 94% of respondents aspire to own a home, with house ownership being the overwhelming goal. However, 55% believe they will never be able to afford to buy.

Almost one third of 25–34-year-olds continue to live with parents due to affordability constraints. Among renters, 47% are unhappy with their current situation, with the cost of renting (83%) identified as the biggest barrier. In addition, there is strong support (77%) for affordable apartments near workplaces.

Commenting on the findings, Michelle Gallagher, CEO of Limerick Chamber, said: “The message from Limerick’s workforce is clear: people want to build their lives here, but the housing system is failing to meet that aspiration.”

Ms Gallagher continued: “With planning permissions and commencements falling sharply in 2025, we are looking at a pipeline that is simply inadequate to the scale of demand. Businesses are increasingly concerned that housing shortages will constrain their ability to attract and retain talent.”

“Government and policymakers must urgently address supply-side blockages and ensure that affordability is at the heart of housing delivery.”

“Now more than ever we need to see a quick and scalable housing strategy, as well as a funding and implementation plan,” concluded Ms Gallagher.

“As we move towards the national and local budgets, the Mayor, councillors, Limerick City and County Council Executive and the Land Development Agency must accordingly work together cohesively to bring a plan forward urgently.”

Limerick Chamber stressed that without a step-change in housing supply, the county risks undermining both its economic growth trajectory and its attractiveness to investment.