Constitution and housing crisis

Sir, – Michael McDowell is one of my favourite columnists.

But when he says there are no impediments in our Constitution to providing housing in greater quantity at affordable prices, I beg to differ (“Why on earth would we need a constitutional referendum on the right to housing?”, Opinion & Analysis, August 17th).

To my understanding, the price of land – one of the main cost factors in providing affordable housing – cannot be regulated in this country without an amendment to the Constitution. If development land for housing were linked to the price of agricultural land, as currently exists in other countries, and where this could be shown to provide affordable housing in much greater quantities perhaps, then it would be opportune to put that question to the people and let everybody, including politicians, I might add, put their cards on the table on what is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues of our time. – Is mise,

TOM McELLIGOTT,

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Listowel,

Co Kerry.