Like many families across Ireland, the Rafter siblings never expected to live so far apart. The current Irish Housing system, resulted in them having to locate to homes away from the place they once called home together . This page provides a brief history of the housing crisis and housing system , accompanied by some  personal reflection from the viewpoint of a case study of eight siblings, that grew up in Dublin and are navigating life within the housing crisis in Ireland.    

The Rafters - A Case Study

6 May 2026 12:48

The Rafter family grew up in Tallaght, Dublin 24 in the 80's and 90's , a time when Tallaght and many suburban communities had been built on the outskirts of Dublin to accommodate the growing Irish population. Many families , originally from Dublin inner city moved to these suburban communities to start their lives. Access to housing either via private purchase or local authority housing was at this time an achievable feet for people. Families tended to live near relatives. The Rafter's grew up with cousins, aunts and uncles living local to . They had a good social network , access to local school, local church and lots of areas to play and enjoy the community. A childhood filled with family picnics, friends and relatives popping in for tea and chats, and a childhood spent playing kick the can or a game of rounders on the local field. Mrs Rafter ran the house and Mr Rafter worked in a semi state government company and sometimes did the odd 'nixer', to earn extra money  . They had what they needed growing up. These photographs are family photos, used with the families permission . 

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Socials

The Rafter family siblings , gave the below tips for getting involved in a new community , so that new social connections can be made. The Instagram page that can be accessed above also has helpful tips and tricks and pages to follow , whether it is hiking, gardening, sport , community organisations , there is something for everyone.