Ireland's housing sector faces mounting challenges as government policies and market conditions strain supply targets. Sinn Féin spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin criticized new government guidelines permitting smaller, darker apartments with fewer amenities. Opposition parties and leading architects have expressed concerns that reducing apartment sizes could delay planning processes and further restrict housing supply amid soaring rents and house prices. Internal briefings reveal that Housing Minister James Browne has been warned about the unreliability of 2025 supply forecasts and record-high prices for key building materials. Browne’s private memos highlight doubts about meeting housing completions and caution over escalating material costs. The Central Bank has also expressed surprise at the failure to meet home completion targets. Additionally, Minister Browne confirmed that legal proceedings via judicial review have been initiated against the Department of Housing concerning a cancelled social housing program. The construction industry is experiencing its fastest slowdown in 18 months, with uncertain prospects for recovery.