Brady gives cautious welcome to Greystones' designation as a rent pressure zone

Sinn Féin Wicklow TD John Brady has given a cautious welcome to the news that Greystones has been designated as a rent pressure zone.

Teachta Brady said;

“While I welcome Greystones' designation as a rent pressure zone, it is clear that the Residential Tenancy Board should be given additional powers and resources to ensure that the designation is being adhered to.

"I have been calling on the Government for months to include Greystones as a rent pressure zone given the rising cost of rents. Minister Murphy rightly says that this is being done in response to exceptional rent increases in Greystones. These rent increases have been as a result of the Government's failure to take steps to address the rent crisis.

“Sinn Féin firmly believes that linking rents to an index such as the Consumer Price Index is one measure that should be adopted.

“We have tabled numerous Bills and amendments calling for the introduction of real rent certainty along these lines. Unfortunately, both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have failed to support these measures.

“Tenants also need greater security of tenure. Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy must reconsider the government’s opposition to a Focus Ireland amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act. This measure would prevent buy-to-let landlords, who took advantage of generous tax breaks when purchasing their properties, from issuing vacant possession notice to families when they want to sell the property. This measure alone would prevent more families from going homeless and would keep properties on the rental market.”