FOCUS Ireland Limerick has warned that more families and single people are struggling to keep a roof over as rental costs for accommodation in Limerick city have increased by almost seven per cent over the past year.
The figures were reported in the recent Daft.ie Rental Report, which also revealed a record shortage of properties available to rent.
Focus Ireland say that the combination of the freeze in rent supplement and increasing cost of rents has led to a growing number of Limerick families and singles who are homeless, or at serious risk of losing their home contacting the charity.
The charity said the recent decision by the Tánaiste not to increase rent supplement levels has proven to be devastating for many families faced with market rent increases.
Focus Ireland Limerick manager Ger Spillane said: “There were already some serious difficulties for single people and families securing suitable accommodation within the existing rent supplement limits in Limerick. The rising rents and the Government’s continued refusal to increase rising rents have added to these difficulties and the situation is highly worrying.”
Mr Spillane added that the charity supports the objective of “‘cooling’ rents in the private rented sector and protecting low earning households.
“However this should not be achieved by rendering destitute the most vulnerable households dependent on rent supplements.
“We would advise anyone worried about their housing situation, to contact us at 7a, Catherine Place, Limerick City, or to call us on 061 405 300.”
