A Clare homeless support worker has accused the Government of punishing renters as monthly costs continue to soar.
It follows the publication of the latest Daft.ie rental report, which shows the cost of renting a single room in the county has now reached levels comparable to renting an entire home just a decade ago.
Less than two months after rental reforms came into effect, a new property report shows rents have surged nationally.
Here in Clare, the cost of renting a three-bed rose by 8.3% in the first quarter to €1,780 a month, with a four-bed costing new tenants €2,162.
On May 1st, tenants were paying an average of €597 for a single room in a house, while a double room cost up to €744.
Homeless support worker and Shannon Sinn Féin representative Shane Doody says “the proof is in the pudding” that rental reforms are not working and are instead punishing renters.
Meanwhile, the Clare branch of St Vincent de Paul is calling for HAP rates to be increased amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Its President says more and more people struggling to afford rent, energy bills, and food costs are now reaching out for help.
Gerardine Power is urging people not to turn to high-interest loan sharks, saying support is available through organisations like theirs.
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