Ryanair is facing challenges in finding housing for new employees, so the company has decided to enter the real estate market. The Irish airline recently purchased the majority of a housing development in a prime area of Dublin and plans to rent it out to new cabin crew members during their first year of employment, as Fortune reported.
Ryanair acquired 25 homes out of a 28-property development near its Dublin headquarters, bringing its total holdings to 40 homes, according to a statement by the airline to Fortune and a report by Business Post.
A spokesperson stated, “In recent years the absence of affordable rental accommodation has been a major impediment to recruiting and training new Irish and European cabin crew members to Ryanair’s in-flight team. This accommodation, which is located one bus stop from Dublin Airport, will be rented at affordable rates to Ryanair cabin crew during their first year of employment,” The airline has 33 aircraft based in Dublin.
Ireland is facing a severe housing crisis with rising rents and homelessness. The lack of affordable housing has led to riots in Dublin, and some local politicians are criticizing Ryanair for exacerbating the issue by investing in property, as reported by the Irish Independent.
However, Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has defended the company’s actions, stating that their priority is to take care of their passengers and staff. He also mentioned that there are plenty of other properties available for purchase.
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
