AS the eviction ban is lifted, Limerick people have been sharing their stories and fears around eviction on an interactive map hosted by an independent campaigning group.
The map, set up by the Uplift organisation, allows those facing eviction to upload their stories, while tagging their location on the map.
A number of Limerick stories have already been shared, including one user who says he will have to couch-surf when he leaves his current accommodation.
“We’ll be evicted at the end of the month because the landlord wants to renovate. We’ve searched on Daft and asked everybody we know. Can’t find anything. My only option is to stay on my friend’s couch. This has made me really depressed. I have a full-time job,” the post reads.
Another person sharing their story said they live at home with their parents and see no other option due to the severe lack of housing supply in the area.
“The housing crisis has meant that I’m living with my parents. I’m very lucky to have this option as I have no possibility of living elsewhere. The eviction ban would affect so many friends and family and I’m deeply fearful for them,” he wrote.
Another Limerick poster said that rent is now almost as much as their monthly income.
“How can one afford to rent a house or apartment that costs almost as much as my entire monthly net income? And anyway, there are only 20 properties available for rent in the whole of Limerick county right now. So you can imagine the competition for them. We need affordable houses to be built, and cost rental, secure long term tenancies to be available on these.”
At the time of writing, there were only 18 properties available to let throughout Limerick city and county, with the lowest priced option costing €1,000 per month for a one-bed apartment in Adare.
The digital map can be viewed here
