As the new government settles in, Irish trade unions have renewed their two-pronged push for long-promised constitutional referendums: one to guarantee public ownership of water services and another to enshrine the right to housing. 

Fórsa, alongside SIPTU, Unite, Connect, and the ICTU, have long campaigned to keep water in public hands, warning that privatisation leads to higher costs and poorer services. In late June, union representatives met with the new Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, to press the case for a referendum on water. Browne was appointed to the senior cabinet position on 23rd January 2025. 

“We met with Minister Browne to stress the urgency of honouring the commitment to hold a referendum,” said Richy Carrothers, Fórsa’s head of local government. “We made it clear he should name a date as a matter of priority. The Minister undertook to raise this with his government colleagues and agreed to meet us again.” 

Carrothers added: “This is about protecting a basic human right. Water must never be treated as a commodity - it must remain in public ownership, guaranteed by our constitution.”

Trade unions have also highlighted the worsening housing emergency, with more than 15,000 people in emergency accommodation and thousands on waiting lists, despite over 160,000 vacant homes recorded in the last census. Fórsa argues that a constitutional right to housing would give local authorities the mandate to act decisively. 

Carrothers warned: “The people of Ireland deserve to have their say on the importance of vital infrastructure – housing and water are fundamental to everyone’s lives. These commitments are all on the record. We expect this government to finally deliver and set dates for these crucial referenda.” 

The unions will meet Minister Browne again in the coming months and have pledged to keep members updated on progress. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.