Claims made that rent is out of control in Waterford

Two prominent politicians in Waterford have said rent is "out of control" in the Déise county.

Sinn Féin's, Deputy Conor McGuinness TD and Cllr. Kate O’Mahoney, have both called for immediate action on the issue saying stronger tenant protections and "real action" on housing is needed.

They made their comments after the latest Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) report revealed soaring rents across County Waterford.

According to the report, the standardised average rent for new tenancies in Waterford in Q4 2024, was €1,211, while the average rent for existing tenancies stood at €959.

Sinn Féin said it highlights a growing affordability gap that is putting increasing pressure on renters.

Cllr. Kate O'Mahoney, who is a Councillor for the Dungarvan Local Electoral Area, described the figures as "a wake-up call for government complacency on housing in the Southeast".

“These numbers show what local renters already know - that rents are out of control," she said.

"New tenants are paying well over €1,200 per month, which is completely unaffordable for many working families, young people, and pensioners," she added.

Cllr O'Mahoney said the time had arrived for rent relief, real investment in social and affordable housing and proper enforcement of rent pressure zones.

Meanwhile, Deputy McGuinness, who is Sinn Féin's spokesperson for Rural Affairs, Community Development and An Ghaeltacht, echoed his party colleague's concerns: "The Government’s failure to act has left renters exposed to a broken market."

"Sinn Féin has repeatedly called for a freeze on rents and for a major plan to accelerate the building of social and affordable housing," he said.

"These figures underline the urgency of that demand," he added.

Deputy McGuinness also criticised recent Government decisions that he said are compounding the crisis. He pointed out that rising rents and eviction notices are hitting households at the same time as the Government is cutting back essential homelessness prevention schemes, including the tenant-in-situ programme, which allows councils to purchase homes where tenants are at risk of eviction.

“Instead of protecting renters, the Government is undermining supports while floating changes to Rent Pressure Zone rules that would open the door to even higher rent hikes," he said.

"The Minister for Housing, James Browne, must urgently reverse the cuts to tenant-in-situ and social housing acquisition programmes and reject calls from vested interests to weaken protections," he added.

He said his party was is instead calling for a ban on rent increases, a refundable renters’ tax credit - equivalent to a full month’s rent - and a significant expansion in the delivery of public and affordable homes to meet long-term demand.

Both representatives also noted that residents have had enough and are demanding urgent action, to address the crisis through affordable housing measures and tenant support services.

With rental costs continuing to rise at unsustainable levels, Sinn Féin says the time for half-measures is over.