Room for None

Room for None was created in response to being unseen and unheard as a young person in Ireland suffering the consequences of the housing crisis. It presents the bedrooms of Irish people in their twenties, as they navigate the beginning of their adult lives while living in their family home. The transition from child to adult has happened in all other aspects of their lives, but they are still living in their childhood bedrooms. Due to unaffordable rents and inflated property prices, this group has a sense of ownership and control over just one space. How they use this space, as a means of expression and an act of resistance, is represented in the following images and testimonies. The participants describe their current lives, living situations and plans for the future, with many believing that their only option is emigration.

Until recently my Aunty, Uncle and their two children lived with us so I had to share my room with my brother. I lost a lot of my privacy and downtime for two years. I found it impossible to study for college, work and manage a social life. Now that I finally have my room back I never take it for granted. - Marcus, 21

I think independence is something that has been taken from the young people of Ireland because of the price of renting. It’s sad because it allows for so much personal growth and experiences. - Jose, 22

My partner and I are planning on moving abroad because it is too expensive to save for a home here. It is both sad and exciting as we get to start a new chapter, but we are very close to our families and we will miss them dearly. - Kelly, 23

I have a condition called ME/CFS which means that I have to spend 80% of my time in bed resting. This means that it can be difficult to leave the house for any extended period of time, so I spend a huge amount of time at home. I feel like I am stuck in the role of depending on my parents despite being a grown adult. - Sam, 25

I was working from home and home schooling my son from my bedroom during lockdown. I am currently trying to save for a home, which is obviously very difficult, particularly when you’re doing it alone. I know I won’t be able to afford my own place by myself, but I’m going to do everything I can to have a space where Ollie and I can live and make our own memories. - Leah, 27

My sister moved to Taiwan a few years ago and she has asked me many times to move over. I have been thinking about it more and more, but I have a girlfriend here who I don't want to leave behind. - Luke, 25

I spent most of my childhood years sharing this room with my sister, so I do feel lucky to have my own space. However, particularly now that I am an adult, the feelings that come with the fact that this is my parents' home and I merely live in it according to their rules and preferences are inescapable. - Jane, 22

We are looking forward to moving away as we think almost anywhere else can offer a much better quality of life and sense of autonomy. - Jamie and Niamh, 23