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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Rent pressure zones and rising rents

Summary

Deputy Hearne raised sharp rent increases, the impact on workers, and fears over possible rent cap changes. The Minister said options on rent pressure zones are being considered, stressed affordable housing delivery, and said the Deputy’s question would be followed up; he then asked whether the report would be published.

We hear today that rents are up again 5.5% nationally. The new average rent in Dublin is €2,177 per month. A worker earning €30,000 per year would have to spend their entire take-home pay to cover that amount and that still would not be enough. Renters across this country are struggling. How can they keep paying higher rents? They are stressed and terrified about the potential removal of rent caps. Renters feel unheard. They also feel that the only voice the Government is listening to is that of the vulture fund landlords who want free rein to rack up rents. Renters will be making their voices heard next Wednesday at a public event we will be hosting outside Leinster House. I invite the Minister of State opposite to join those renters and hear their voices. Will he and the Minister for housing immediately publish the Housing Agency report on rent caps that is sitting on the Minister's desk? Will they give renters some certainty by committing to retaining the rent caps that are in place for a minimum of three years?

Comment on this
John Cummins Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Fine Gael

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. Obviously, regarding the retention or otherwise of rent pressure zones options are being provided to the Minister. Those options are under consideration. The Government is committed to the delivery of more affordable homes. Cost rental has a key part to play in that regard. We have seen a significant ramp-up in activity on the part of the Land Development Agency and the approved housing bodies through the cost rental equity loan scheme. We want to see the activation of the secure tenancy affordable rental, STAR, scheme a lot more by the private sector. It is not a case of either-or; we need to see private sector investment in our housing market. We also need to see State investment. The way it is presented by the Deputy all the time is that it is a case of either or. It is not; it is both. It is only by using all levers at the disposal of the State that we will tackle the challenges we have.

Comment on this

Will the report be published?

Comment on this