Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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131. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will review the rent pressure zone scheme to assess if it has succeeded in achieving any of its stated objectives; if improvements can be made to address rent increases in districts where families and individuals are under severe pressure to pay rent or find affordable properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3639/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) were introduced under Part 3 of the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 to moderate rent increases in those parts of the country where rents are highest and rising fastest. The Planning and Development Act 2024, extended the operation of these rent controls until 31 December 2025.

In 2024 my Department completed a review of the Irish rental sector. This review noted clear challenges with the current system of rent controls using RPZs while acknowledging the need to ensure the regulatory system for the rental market adequately balances the interests of landlords and tenants and supports a sustainable long-term model for rent price regulation.

My Department has requested the Housing Agency to undertake a review which will assess the operation of RPZs and it is expected that this review will be completed by end of Q1 2025. Any potential future policy options that arise from this review will be fully considered by the Government and implemented as required.