Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend my colleague, Deputy Ó Broin, on bringing forward this motion. The latest report from the RTB paints in black and white the devastating impact this Government's housing policies have had on renters, with the average new monthly rent in Dublin standing at €1,972. Rent in Dublin has increased by 100% since 2011. It is safe to say that in my constituency of Dublin Bay South, the average monthly rent is more than €2,000. Today, I saw a three-bedroom apartment in Capital Dock advertised for €5,000 a month. That is what they are looking for. That is complete madness. It is unaffordable for the vast majority of working families. In Capital Dock, those involved let some of the units lie idle rather than reduce the rent.

There does not seem to be any sign of a break for renters on the horizon. While we see large numbers of developments being built and designated as build-to-rent, the pricing of rent for one of these units is completely out of the reach of average working families. Some 3,500 new homes are due to be built on the glass bottle site but there is no good news for those on average wages because the cost of the new homes there will be between €500,000 and €600,000. The Minister mentioned social and affordable houses. It is unclear whether there will be any social and affordable housing on the glass bottle site. He might indicate whether that will happen. Residents there are very concerned that there will be no social and affordable housing on the glass bottle site. That matter needs to be addressed. The residents need to be reassured. The cost of those homes, at €500,000 or €600,000 each, will make renting in their own community unaffordable for the vast majority of young families, even for those with good or average incomes. I know who will be able to afford them. Senior management in the high-tech companies and the big vulture funds will be able to afford them. Senior legal professionals will be able to afford the rent, but not ordinary working families who made Ringsend the great community that it is today. Those who stayed when it was not a popular place rebuilt Ringsend into a vibrant community.

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