Dublin City Council has backed a Social Democrats motion declaring housing a fundamental human right and instructing the authority to embed that principle across its housing policies and operations.

The move has prompted the party to press the Government to advance a referendum on the issue.

Proposed by Cllr Lesley Byrne, the motion sets out steps the council should take to reflect the right to housing in decision-making and delivery.

Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne said: "Dublin City Council's progress on recognising housing as a fundamental human right is a step in the right direction, but national action must be taken to achieve this change.

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"The Minister for Housing must follow Dublin City Council's lead and enshrine housing as a human right by holding a referendum on the matter.

"This would mark a change in approach in terms of how this government handles the housing crisis, which is the defining catastrophe of modern Ireland.

"In the meantime, Dublin City Council must implement its stance in both policy and its actions – everyone in Ireland deserves a safe, warm and secure home."

Cllr Lesley Byrne said: "By passing this motion, the council has formally recognised that housing is a fundamental human right – not a privilege.

"This is a vital first step in the right direction, but it is only the beginning. The fact that it was carried without debate, driven by the sheer volume of emails from the public, shows the power of collective action.

"When people organise and speak out, change becomes unavoidable, and we must keep that pressure up to make this right a reality, not just a statement."