While the Minister dithers, the crisis deepens
The government’s failure to tackle the rental crisis means rents have continued to surge, according to Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan.
“Today’s daft.ie report reveals the abject failure of this government to tackle the rental crisis. Rents climbed by an average annual rate of 5.6pc in the second quarter of this year, but the rates of increase were even higher in many areas. For instance, rents in Kerry, Leitrim and Roscommon surged by more than 16pc while rents in Donegal, Cavan, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Waterford all increased by more than 14pc.
“The unprecedented nature of this crisis is evident in the fact that it is now cheaper to repay a mortgage than pay rent in nearly every region of the country. In fact, the only two places where a mortgage for a three-bed home is more expensive than rent is in Dublin 4 and Dublin 6.
“Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said housing is this government’s “number one priority”. Despite this, after more than a year in government, we have yet to see Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien’s housing plan. Last month it was announced that the publication of Housing For All was being delayed until at least the end of this month. While the Minister dithers, the crisis deepens.
“The Minister may not have a plan to help renters, but the Social Democrats do. As a matter of urgency, we now need to introduce a ban on rent increases, an end to evictions into homelessness, create a rent register and ensure renters have security of tenure by removing no fault evictions. These are among a suite of measures included in our Renters’ Charter.
“The Minister has repeatedly promised to address the housing crisis. However, there is no evidence of any of his measures having any discernible positive impact. In fact, under his watch, the crisis is worsening.
“Runaway rents are out of control – and the government has no plan to stem them. This is clearly unsustainable. Renters are tired of the litany of empty promises from this government. What they need are credible solutions.”
10 August, 2021
Ends