Radical Solutions to Solve Ireland’s Housing Crisis: A Focus on Population Control, Migration, and Housing Renovation

R.A. Sterling
3 min readFeb 6, 2025

Ireland’s housing crisis has reached a critical point, with skyrocketing rents, a shortage of affordable homes, and increasing homelessness. While many solutions have been proposed, some of the most radical yet efficient measures could involve strict population control, targeted migration policies, and the revitalization of derelict properties. Below, we explore how these measures could address the crisis while ensuring a high quality of life for all residents.

Photo by Alejandro Luengo on Unsplash

1. Implementing a Population Cap for Ireland and Northern Ireland

To alleviate pressure on housing and infrastructure, Ireland should consider implementing a population cap. A maximum of 7 million people across the island — 5 million in Ireland and 2 million in Northern Ireland — would ensure that resources such as housing, schools, and hospitals are not overburdened. This cap would allow for sustainable growth, preserving the country’s natural landscapes and ensuring that everyone has access to adequate space and services. By controlling population growth, Ireland can maintain a high standard of living and avoid the strain seen in overcrowded cities worldwide.

2. Deporting Illegal Migrants and Criminals

A key component of solving the housing crisis is addressing migration. All illegal migrants should be deported, following policies similar to those implemented by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This would reduce the demand for housing and public services, freeing up resources for legal residents. Additionally, any migrant or non-Irish/EU individual who commits a crime should be deported immediately. This strict approach would not only ease pressure on housing but also improve public safety and ensure that resources are allocated to law-abiding citizens.

3. Renovating Derelict Houses for Homeless Irish Citizens

Ireland has thousands of derelict and vacant properties that could be transformed into homes for those in need. Instead of building new housing developments, the government should prioritize renovating these existing structures. By offering these homes to homeless Irish citizens, the country could significantly reduce homelessness while making efficient use of its current housing stock. This approach is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as it reduces the need for new construction and minimizes urban sprawl.

4. Closing Borders to All But Essential Workers

To further control population growth and reduce demand for housing, Ireland should close its borders to all but essential workers. Only individuals with highly specialized skills, such as doctors, engineers, and those with PhDs, should be allowed to immigrate. This targeted approach would ensure that Ireland benefits from the expertise of skilled professionals without exacerbating the housing crisis. By limiting immigration to those who contribute critically to the economy and society, Ireland can maintain a balanced population and protect its infrastructure.

5. Ensuring a High Quality of Life for All

These measures — population control, strict migration policies, and the renovation of derelict homes — would collectively ensure a high quality of life for everyone in Ireland. With fewer people competing for housing, rents would stabilize, and homelessness would decrease. Schools and hospitals would no longer be overwhelmed, and the country’s natural beauty and resources would be preserved for future generations. By taking a radical but pragmatic approach, Ireland can solve its housing crisis while maintaining its unique way of life.

The Housing Crisis in Ireland: Challenges, Solutions, and the Path Forward Paperback Book available here: https://a.co/d/h9ZHATU

The housing crisis in Ireland demands bold and innovative solutions. By implementing a population cap, deporting illegal migrants and criminals, renovating derelict properties, and closing borders to all but essential workers, Ireland can create a sustainable future for its citizens. These measures may be controversial, but they offer a clear path to solving the crisis while ensuring a high quality of life for all. It’s time for Ireland to take decisive action and prioritize the well-being of its people.

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R.A. Sterling
R.A. Sterling

Written by R.A. Sterling

My name is Rhodes Ansel Sterling, author name R.A. Sterling. Themes: space colonization, the environment, and women’s rights. amazon.com/author/rasterling

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