Irish National Survey of Housing Quality 2001-2002

The Economic and Social Research Institute was commissioned by the Department of the Environment and Local Government to carry out the Irish National Survey of Housing Quality (NSHQ) in 2001-2002. The survey obtained detailed information from a representative sample of over 40,000 householders on characteristics and problems of the dwelling, and on the household members. Information was collected on:

• the basic type of dwelling, its age and location
• the number of rooms of different types available to the household
• rent and mortgage payments, and other indicators of affordability
• services such as water, sewage, electricity and gas
• main method of heating the dwelling and fuel used
• presence of insulation and other energy-saving measures
• problems with the accommodation and major works carried out in the last five years
• Household characteristics — household type and age structure, economic status of household members and household income.

  The information is relevant in the areas of house planning, regional development and energy policy. The large sample size allows detailed tables to be provided to local authorities for planning purposes. The present report provides an overview of the situation with regard to housing quality at a national level.