'Devastating impact' of Government's Rent Hike Bill as rents and evictions in Kildare surge
The issue was highlighted by Sinn Féin Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh TD
Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, has said a recent Daft.ie report exposes the “devastating impact” of Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael’s Rent Hike Bill as rents surge to record highs and evictions “are at the highest level since the famine.”
The latest figures show rents are increasing at the fastest rate ever recorded, with rents in Kildare surging by a staggering 6.9%.
She said the lives of families, workers, students and young people in Kildare South have been turned upside down because the Government chose to prioritise the interests of big landlords and vulture funds, while “throwing renters to the wolves.”
Deputy Ní Raghallaigh said: “Figures released today reveal that rents in Kildare rose by a staggering 6.9% in the first three months of this year, with a typical two-bed apartment now costing over €2,125 a year.
“Ordinary families and young people hoping to build a future in Kildare cannot afford this in their wildest dreams.
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“Across the state, rents jumped by 4.4% between December and March, the sharpest increase on record.
Deputy Ní Raghallaigh pointed out that 250 eviction notices were issued in Kildare in the first three months of the year alone.
These figures lay bare the “devastating consequences” of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s Rent Hike Bill - record rents, record evictions, families with “nowhere to go”, she said.
She added: “Sinn Féin warned Government that this would happen. We urged them not to do this. They did not listen. They were intent on lining the pockets of big landlords, big developers, and vulture funds - and utterly indifferent to the impact for renters, for families, for ordinary people.
“They knowingly and willingly pushed ahead, and now renters are paying the price.
“These figures include just the first month of the government allowing landlords to jack rents up to market rates.
“That means renters in Kildare could face even worse increases in the months ahead.”
Deputy Ní Raghallaigh called on the government to cut rents, ban rent increases, ban no-fault evictions, and dramatically ramp up the delivery of social and genuinely affordable homes.