Today’s report from the Simon Community highlights the impossible situation facing people trying to rent a home in Dublin Central where rents have increased by more than 90% since 2010.

Mary says the report confirms the devastating experience of people trying to find a home in Dublin Central.   “The toxic combination of inadequate housing supply coupled with out of control rent increases and dysfunctional Government housing policy is making it more and more impossible for people to find a home in Dublin Central. “

“This report follows on from last month’s Daft.ie quarterly report which showed that it is now more expensive to rent a home in central Dublin than to pay a mortgage.  However, due to the Governments complete failure to build any affordable, starter or social homes in Dublin Central buying is not an option either.”

The Daft.ie quarterly Report also revealed the chronic shortage of homes to rent.  There were fewer than 1,350 homes available to rent in Dublin, compared to close to 6,700 in the same period of 2009.

Mary commented, “The cost of rent is out-of-control and driving people into homelessness.  Today’s report highlights the failure of the Governments much trumpeted HAP  which does not come next nor near meeting the cost of renting in Dublin Central.  The average monthly rent for one bed in central Dublin is €2,000 yet the Governments HAP payment is €600.  The average monthly rent for a two bedroom is €3,000 yet the Governments HAP is €1,250.  The Governments Housing policy is completely failing to meet the housing need in Dublin Central”

“Six years of this Fine Gael Government has resulted in the worst housing and homelessness crises in the history of Dublin Central. Their policies have delivered zero affordable homes and are denying families the prospect of a home in Dublin Central.

“Instead of investing in homes this Government has invested in homelessness and spin which has triggered an unprecedented demand for homeless services.”

“There is only one solution to alleviate rental costs and that is to dramatically increase supply,” added Fitzpatrick.

“There are acres of State-owned land in Dublin Central that has been zoned for housing, but no meaningful progress has been made because of the complete lack of political will. Developing sites such as O’Devaney Gardens and Dominick Street would go some way towards addressing the crisis.

“What’s needed is a major change in approach to delivering affordable homes, co-operative housing and family homes through an accelerated construction programme of affordable homes.”

“The introduction of a comprehensive refurbishment programme for all Dublin City Council property to eliminate dampness, mould and overcrowding would return valuable vacant housing stock to productive use.

“Rising rents, lack of new supply and increasing homelessness indicate only one thing; this Government has totally failed to meet the people of Dublin Centrals housing need.”