In a move aimed at addressing Ireland's record homelessness and rising rents, the government has unveiled plans to reduce fees for residential developers and

increase grants for renovating derelict properties. The announcement is part of a series of measures designed to bring down house prices and rents, which have both more than doubled over the past decade.

Critics, including the left-wing Sinn Fein party, have accused the government of relying too heavily on the private sector and failing to build enough homes to meet demand. To address this, the government will waive development levies for 12 months, saving an average of €12,650 per home by eliminating charges for services like water and road connections.

The government will also provide up to €750 million in funding for the development of 6,000 affordable apartments through the state-sponsored Land Development Agency. In addition, the maximum grant for renovating derelict properties will increase from €50,000 to €70,000.

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he expects these measures to have an immediate impact and result in more homes being built in the coming years. However, Sinn Fein's consistent lead in opinion polls suggests that more needs to be done to address the lack of affordable housing in Ireland. The next general election is scheduled for early 2025.