Eamon Ryan lands new role as the EU's housing tsar

FORMER GREEN PARTY leader Eamon Ryan has been selected to chair an EU housing advisory board.

The so-called EU housing tsar will chair an expert panel tasked with providing independent policy recommendations on housing.

Europe is seeking to reduce the cost of building, buying and renting homes in EU member states, through loosening public expenditure rules and exploring methods for member state collaboration.

Over 200 people applied to the board, which typically comes with an expenses rate for travel and other costs, as well as reimbursement fees. Ryan is joined by 15 other people from different backgrounds, and expertise on housing policy, on the panel.

He confirmed the news and explained his new role in a post to social media this morning. 

The Journal reported last week that the EU is considering placing restrictions on short-term lets in order to free up housing supply for those living in large cities. While the EU cannot set housing targets, it can reduce barriers to the market.

It comes after he was appointed as a high advocate for Ireland on a coalition between governments and green NGOs as part of the UN Environment Programme.

The ex-Minister for Transport and Climate, Communications and the Environment stepped down from this party leadership role in June 2024 after over 13 years in the role. He was one of three coalition leaders during the last government.

Ryan announced at the time of his leadership resignation that he would not be contesting the 2024 general election and would be stepping away from politics. He was among a number of senior politicians to do so ahead of last year’s general election.

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and ex Tánaiste Simon Coveney also landed new roles since leaving public office. They have gone into the private sector, in an advisory role at the PR company Penta Group and a consultant role to EY Ireland, respectively.