SF Claims Govt's Housing Policy Is A 'Massive Failure'

The current government housing policy has been described as a "massive failure, by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams.

Mr Adams urged Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to take urgent action over tackling the rent crisis.

He made the call after Daft.ie figures revealed rents in Ireland have reached a new record high.

Teachta Adams said: "Daft's figures for the third quarter of 2017 show that rents are continuing to rise to unsustainable levels.


"Louth fares badly in comparison with other counties. A one bed apartment rents for €767; a two bed house for €889; and a three bed house for €1065. The data shows an increase of 16.5% above previous peaks.

"Rents are rising while supply is at an all-time low. The rent pressure zone policy introduced by government to restrain rents has merely created a two tier rental sector which punishes struggling renters.

"When the state stops building social housing, it forces everyone into the private rental sector. Increased demand and the government's refusal to deliver genuine rent certainty are major factors in this crisis."

(CD/MH)