Housing Crisis: Kildare Bishop Links 9.7% Marriage Rate Drop to Affordability
Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare states housing is the «biggest obstacle» to marriage in Ireland, citing a 9.7% drop in marriage rates between 2014 and 2025. Soaring property and rental costs, alongside financial constraints, are causing many to delay major life decisions like marriage.
The Bishop of Kildare, Denis Nulty, has identified housing as the primary impediment to marriage in Ireland, following recent Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures indicating a 9.7% decline in the marriage rate between 2014 and 2025. Bishop Nulty stated, «I can assure you the biggest obstacle to couples getting married today is housing. It’s huge.»
CSO data reveals a significant increase in national property prices, which have risen by 171.7% since 2013 and continue an upward trend. Concurrently, the cost of renting has escalated dramatically, experiencing its most substantial increase in nearly 25 years this year. A recent Deloitte report further supports this, finding that 55% of Generation Z and 52% of millennials in Ireland have postponed major life decisions, including marriage or starting a family, due to financial constraints.
In light of these findings, The Journal invites readers to share their experiences regarding how the housing crisis has influenced their decisions about marriage. Individuals are encouraged to submit their stories, limited to two or three paragraphs, by emailing answers@thejournal.ie. Specific questions include whether marriage has been delayed or forgone to purchase a house, if marriage was pursued for housing security, or if relationships have been affected by moving in with parents to save money. Submissions should include the sender's name, age, and county, with an option for anonymity. These contributions will be featured in a forthcoming article on the subject.