LABOUR Party mayoral candidate Cllr Conor Sheehan has condemned the government’s persistent failure to address the housing crisis following the latest Daft.ie report.
The report reveals that Limerick experienced the highest rent increases in the country. This, Cllr Sheehan maintains, underscores the severity of the situation, highlighting the government’s inability to provide effective solutions to the housing crisis.
“The Daft.ie report is a stark reminder of the government’s continued neglect of the rental market. It is unacceptable that Limerick residents are facing the highest rent hikes in the nation. The rental market is completely broken, and this report highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reform,” he said.
“Labour has long called for proper regulation of short-term lets, which are exacerbating the rental crisis by reducing the availability of long-term rental properties. The government’s failure to act on this issue is a clear indication of their lack of commitment to resolving the housing crisis.
“The Labour Party’s Renters’ Rights Bill, if enacted, would address the key concerns of renters: affordability, security of tenure, and the poor standards in rental accommodation. Our bill is designed to ensure that renters have access to safe, affordable housing, and are protected from exploitative practices,” he insisted.
Cllr Sheehan also takes the view that the government has repeatedly repackaged unworkable policies without addressing renters’ rights.
“This report should serve as a wake-up call,” he said.
“It’s time for the government to stop ignoring the crisis and start implementing solutions that will genuinely benefit renters.”
