Housing “segregation” is emerging in Dublin between non-Irish and Irish communities, according to a report published on Friday.
The study funded by the Housing Agency says as immigrants seek lower-cost private-rented accommodation they are becoming concentrated in “the western and northern suburbs and in particular ... the north inner city” while “in contrast, few foreign-born residents were living in the affluent southeast” of the capital.
Outlining the “multiple challenges in obtaining housing” faced by immigrant groups, the report titled Migrant Housing Needs, says “housing challenges faced by migrants highlight stark inequalities and systemic barriers that require urgent attention”.
Immigrant renters were more likely to experience overcrowding, substandard housing conditions and experience their rights being infringed such as having deposits wrongfully retained or being illegally evicted.
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The report draws on literature review, statistical analyses and focused interviews with 41 immigrants with experiences of searching for housing. It finds migrant households experience discrimination by landlords, local authorities and letting agencies.
“The migrant population has seen significant growth, with non-Irish nationals comprising 12 per cent of the total population according to the 2022 Census,” says the report. “A notable aspect of this demographic shift is the increase in dual Irish citizenship, with 170,597 people reporting dual citizenship in 2022, representing a 63 per cent increase since 2016.”
The “severe shortage of affordable housing” means first generation immigrants – who often have limited resources and fewer social networks – are seeking the most affordable housing. With limited or no access to social housing they turn to the private rented sector.
In such context “competition for limited resources and can lead to discriminatory practices” by those letting properties, particular in the private rented sector, it says.
“Landlords may prioritise tenants perceived as less risky or more financially stable, often to the detriment of migrants who might face implicit stereotypes.”
One Indian woman interviewed for the report said: “You have a good job, a good salary, you will think it will be OK, and then nothing. But I just overheard from people ... they’re preferring someone from Ireland, and you are from India”. It felt like a “judgment made against your whole community,” she said.
While 12 per cent of the population were immigrants, they accounted for 34 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Dublin. In particular “Romanian and African migrants over-represented among the homeless,” it says.
“Data from social housing waiting lists indicates that a substantial proportion of social housing tenants in Dublin were migrants in 2019, with 34 per cent of applicants originating from other countries,” it says.
Noting racial segregation in housing persists in other jurisdictions “and is frequently normalised” such “spatial segregation in Ireland is relatively low”.
However “some patterns are starting to unfold”, the report by Dr Valesca Lima of DCU outlined. Drawing on Census data the report notes: “A higher concentration of migrants reside in the western and northern suburbs and in particular in the north inner city” of Dublin.
“Associated to that, ten of the top 12 electoral district with a high non-UK foreign-born population in Dublin are located in the north inner city.
“In contrast, few foreign-born residents were living in the affluent southeast of Dublin.”
