Naomi's living situation reflects the larger Dublin housing crisis, a severe shortage of affordable housing caused by high rents and a lack of available options. According to The Irish Times, a number of obstacles prevent new housing development. Firstly, a potential site must show an established need for housing in the area under the National Planning Framework. Ireland's National Planning Framework (NPF) coordinates sectors like housing, jobs, transportation, and infrastructure to strategize for sustainable development. However, the NPF uses published data based on 2016 census figures, and thus does not reflect the increased population. Secondly, a potential site may not be zoned for housing or serviced by Irish Water and the Electricity Supply Board (ESB). Rezoning typically occurs every five years. Lastly, securing planning permission is a long bureaucratic process that can take decades rather than years. Overall, the various bureaucratic bottlenecks make it impossible for the housing supply to meet demand.
The 2008 financial crash also plays a role in the current housing crisis. The construction industry suffered, many property developers struggle to finance large-scale projects, and banks largely refuse to make loans to smaller developers. House prices and rent inflation worsened in the 2020s, particularly in 2024 (Curran). As a result of the crisis, people who earn modest incomes are being pushed out of the market, are trapped in insecure and expensive rentals, or are forced to move in with relatives.
