Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has commented on the latest rental report from DAFT.ie, which shows that rents are continuing to rise across the state with renters in Munster, Connacht and Ulster facing hikes of between 15% and 18% annually. 

The average monthly asking rent for the third quarter of 2021 was €1,516.

Teachta Ó Broin added that the government’s decision to allow landlords, in the middle of a rental crisis, to hike up rents by another 2% was madness.

Teachta Ó Broin said:

“The DAFT.ie rental report for the third quarter of 2021 shows that across the state the average asking rent is up almost 7%. These rent rises are the first data set reflective of the changes made to the rent pressure zone legislation, which linked rents in inflation.

“The report shows 17 counties had double digit rent inflation. Rents are continuing to soar outside the Dublin area with rents increasing by over 20% in Mayo, Leitrim and Roscommon. This is a huge expense for households to burden.

“The rental crisis continues unabated. Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien’s ham-fisted attempts to tweak failing rent pressure zone legislation has failed.

“His latest unimaginative measure, to allow landlords, in the middle of a rental crisis, to hike up rents by another 2% is madness.

“It is clear from this report that affordable rental supply is non-existent now in most parts of the state. Renters do not want to hear commentary from the Minister about his support for homeownership and his vague targets on affordable cost rental.

“Nor do they want to hear the Taoiseach deliberately dodging questions from the opposition about the rental crisis with stock answers about social housing delivery.

“What is apparent is that this government failed to hear voters after the last election. More of the same bending over backwards to institutional investors with tax deals and roadshows is inexcusable.

“I have been commenting on these reports now as opposition housing spokesperson for five years. The same rote responses from those responsible is not acceptable.

“Sinn Féin has a plan for the rental system. It is a plan that exists beyond soundbytes, is fully costed and researched. We would ban rent increases. We would introduce a refundable tax credit to ease the burden. 

“We would fundamentally overhaul the housing system and prioritise the delivery of genuinely affordable homes. We would deliver 4,000 affordable rental and purchase homes annually.”