From the chronic housing shortages of the 1960s to the boom and bust years of the early 21st century, the RTÉ Archives show how in less than 50 years, Ireland went from a critical housing deficit with often apalling living conditions to a property glut resulting in ghost estates across the country.
Take a look also at some Irish housing of the past, from medieval Dublin to Georgian homes in various states of neglect and preservation, and see the traditional use of stone in construction.
A look at the critical state of public housing in Dublin in 1964. Reporter John O'Donoghue talks to people who are being moved from their city centre homes to new houses in the suburbs.
The film looks at inner city tenements, a proposed high rise scheme in Ballymun and the difficulties encountered by those seeking houses in Dublin. There are interviews with young families trying to get homes including a couple who have been forced to live in a caravan.
Not By Bricks Alone is a programme that looks at Dublin suburban housing. What is it like to live in the suburban housing estates of Ballyfermot or Santry or the new tower blocks of Ballymun?
A controversial redevelopment of Georgian buildings at Hume Street and St Stephen's Green in Dublin. Students have occupied a building in protest and are repairing damage they say was caused to the building by the developers.
This extract looks at the replacement of old traditional homes with modern bungalows.Presenter Christopher Fitz-simon asks why, "We move out of the farmhouse or cottage, which was remarkably practical, into the sort of bungalow which is at home on the Kingston by-pass."
Michael and Aileen Casey are undertaking the restoration of their home in Henrietta Street, Dublin. With very little money and great care the Caseys are trying to recapture the 18th century look of the house even foregoing many modern conveniences. 'Arts Express' visited the Casey home to see the work to date and to hear what it is like to live in a home that is undergoing restoration.
A news report on the record 93,000 homes built the previous year. According to figures from the Department of Environment this is the 13th consecutive year of growth for the building industry.
Almost 350,000 houses and apartments in Ireland are currently vacant, according to new research from University College Dublin. The figure represents 17 per cent of total housing stock in the country. Outside the greater Dublin area more than 1 in 5 houses are empty.
The bursting of the decade long property bubble has left a swathe of unfinished houses and apartments across the country. The number of these ghosts estates is now estimated at up to 650 developments, where more than half of the houses or apartments are vacant or construction has not been completed.
In the week that the first tranche of loans are transferred from the banks to the National Asset Management Agency some stark realities are becoming obvious.