Second homes within Irish housing booms and busts: North - South comparisons, contrasts, and debates

Abstract

We examine the expansion of second home ownership in the two jurisdictions on the island of Irelandothe Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The phenomenon has emerged more recently here than in many other countries. While the growth of second homes in Ireland can be explained by many of the factors which have contributed to rising second home ownership inter- nationally, local factors distinguish the two jurisdictions both from each other and from other cases. We compare and contrast the situation in the two jurisdictions, while also locating them in an international context. We assess the impact of second homes on local communities, housing markets, and the environment in Ireland and highlight the key public policy issues arising in each jurisdiction