Sinn Féin 'Concerned' Over Increasing Rents In Cork

Sinn Féin has expressed concern following the publication of a report which reveals rents in Cork city have risen at a greater rate than in any other urban centre.

Raising the issue, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, said: "The Housing Crisis in Cork is getting more severe by the day. This is illustrated by the fact that Cork City saw an increase of an enormous 16% in a year. That is a much greater increase year on year than Dublin, or any other urban centre. The average cost of renting a home is €1003, but it is much higher than that in some neighbourhoods.

"The dynamic in the City, is replicated and echoed in Metropolitan Cork, in places such as Carrigaline, Ballincollig, and Glanmire."

Deputy Ó Laoghaire said the rent increases were having a "devastating effect" on those who are on low and middle incomes, as it puts private rented accommodation beyond the reach of social housing applicants.

He continued: "Every day, we are dealing with families who are desperately trying to find rental accommodation within the current rent caps but are unable to do so. This is leading to homelessness, and massive overcrowding to the point of squalor," he added.

"It is also having an impact economically as more and more business leaders are expressing concern about their ability to attract investment into Cork, due to lack of accommodation for employees.

"The Minister for Housing is from this constituency, and there is a special responsibility on him to ensure that the crisis in Cork, and nationally, is dealt with effectively.

"We need rent control, and a serious investment in Social Housing; last year saw a record low in Social Housing builds. The government’s draft programme for government does not mention rent certainty or rent controls as being viable tools to provide some security for tenants. Minister Coveney must revisit this omission and introduce real rent certainty."

(MH/CD)