Data debates in urban development: the data politics of facts and counter-facts

Data relating to urban development are often accepted and used at face value, treated as impartial, objective, incontrovertible facts. However, the validity and veracity of official datasets can be challenged, with a data debate forming between actors, which might include the provision of alternative datasets and counter-facts. Such data debates can be significant as they undermine confidence and trust in datasets, which in turn can have knowledge, policy, market and political effects. This paper examines the nature of such data debates by examining two long-running disputes in Ireland concerning the veracity of residential vacancy and housing completions data.