Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have the same concerns as Senator Ruane. As I stated to the Minister at housing meetings, the criteria are not right. I am concerned in that regard. In my home town of Carlow, which does not meet the criteria, there are two excellent third level education colleges which require student accommodation. There is significant lack of supply of housing and the cost of rent in towns such as mine is very high. I have grave concerns about this issue and stated to the Minister on several occasions that Carlow and other such areas not in the rent pressure zones should be included and not just the main cities. Smaller towns and areas are paying the price and that needs to be addressed.