LISTEN | Longford TD insists renters must be protected in drive to increase housing supply

People renting homes have to be protected as new initiatives are embarked on to increase the supply of homes across the country.

Longford / Westmeath TD Micheál Carrigy, who is Chair of the Oireachtas Housing Committee, said the retention of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) was a key commitment in his party’s election manifesto.

“Any decision the Government takes in relation to RPZs in the coming days cannot pull the rug from under renters. There can’t be just some sort of cliff edge or some switch that just gets flicked in terms of supports and safeguards for renters.

Also read: Worsening housing shortage: Cost of renting in Longford rises to €1,400 per month

“The level of rent people are paying in this country is extraordinarily high already and that is largely down to a lack of supply which must change.

“We have to ensure we have a viable housing market. Our clear goal is to increase the supply of new homes.

“As we take measures to do this, we also have to mitigate against any negative impact on supply linked to RPZs.

“Fine Gael is arguing for a balanced approach between any necessary reforms to RPZs and a far-reaching package of protection for renters.

Also read: Housing shortage crisis: Just 12 properties available to rent in Longford

“There is an opportunity in the coming days to change the game for renters forever at the same time as making necessary changes to rent regulation policy,” Deputy Carrigy said.

He said the Land Development Agency (LDA), which Fine Gael created to coordinate publicly owned lands for better use, must have its remit broadened to drive further housing supply.

“The agency needs to be given more funding and powers to ensure greater delivery of private and affordable purchase homes, as well as delivering cost-rental homes.

Also read: Housing supply in Longford plummets to 'an all time low' while rents soar

“The LDA has to be a central player in ensuring home supply is ramped up.

“Tánaiste Simon Harris has also made clear that any of the Apple tax windfall going to Irish Water must be contingent on the utility developing a plan to develop the wastewater infrastructure needed to deliver more homes.

Also read: 'Huge waiting list isn't acceptable': Over 50 vacant council houses in Longford

“If we give Irish Water more finances, we need to know it will result in more homes. The same is true if we are to give Apple money to ESB,” Deputy Carrigy said.