Barely a single house for rent in Dublin South meets the rent supplement criteria – Mitchell
3rd April 2014 - Olivia Mitchell TD
Fine Gael TD for Dublin South, Olivia Mitchell, has suggested that a structured government backed scheme to help support families and individuals relocate and settle in the gateways and hub towns identified in the National Spatial Strategy would help alleviate social housing need in Dublin.
Speaking in Dáil Éireann today (Thursday), Deputy Mitchell said: ‘In my constituency of Dublin South waiting time on the housing list is at least ten years. The alternative, renting privately and getting rent supplement, is no longer an option due to rising rents’.
“There is currently a massive scarcity of accommodation in Dublin South which means it is virtually impossible to find a property cheap enough to meet the rent supplement criteria.
“Escalating rents are partly due to the housing shortage but have been further increased as property owners seek to offset their property taxes which are significantly above the national average.
“We need to consider a planned resettlement scheme to help people relocate outside the capital to areas of housing availability and lower rents. I know this scheme won’t appeal to everyone and that many will be reluctant to move away from their families and friends, but many will be attracted to this housing solution and the easy access to schools and other services available outside Dublin.
“Soaring rents will lead to a drift of people out of Dublin anyway but rather than leave it to market forces, which will result in scatter gun resettlement, a structured scheme directing families to areas where accommodation is available is essential. This would help achieve regional development goals as well as meeting the needs of at least some Dublin families.”
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