Waterford families ‘absolutely in despair’ amid warnings of further rent increases

A number of Waterford families have been left “absolutely in despair” after being served eviction notices, the Dáil has heard.

Sinn Féin Waterford TD David Cullinane spoke on the subject during a debate on a motion calling for investment funds to be banned from purchasing family homes.

Deputy Cullinane said: “I met six families last week who have notices to quit. I am meeting one of them on Thursday.

“There was a couple who were on Waterford local radio today, and I was asked to meet them. What am I to tell those families?

“When I meet them, they are absolutely in despair. There are no houses for them to rent and certainly not within their means.

READ NEXT: Over €30m funding boost for Waterford roads as repairs and safety upgrades get green light

“They are all corralled into the private rental sector, trying to get homes that do not exist.

“They have not a hope of getting a social house and they are facing homelessness. They are facing eviction. These are families with children.”

He continued by saying that he did not believe that the Government cared about these families.

He added that the Minister for Housing, James Browne, had to be meeting the same families that he was meeting.

He went on to warn that the soon to be introduced Residential Tenancies Bill would only increase rents further.

“Now, to really add insult to injury, the Government is going to bring in a rip-off rent bill that will force up rents even more.

“In Waterford, rents are going to go up by €4,000. The Minister needs to get a grip and start representing ordinary Irish people, workers and families and not the big investor funds and big landlords, which the Government is doing.”

His party colleague and fellow Waterford TD Conor McGuinness also spoke during the debate.

Deputy McGuinness highlighted the increasing cost of housing in Waterford, as well as the lack of availability of the HAP payment.

He stated: “In Waterford today, there is not a single housing assistance payment, HAP, property to rent.

“House prices are up 10.7 per cent in Waterford, across the city and county. The average price for a three-bedroom semi-detached house is €345,000.

“Families are being squeezed out of their own communities, while funds expand their portfolios.”

He went on to express his frustration at the Government’s current housing policies.

“Homes are for living in. They are not asset portfolios. While a young couple in Waterford saves every cent for a deposit, vulture and investment funds can buy nine houses without even triggering the higher stamp duty rate.

“While families search in vain for a rental, entire estates are snapped up and rented back at inflated prices.

“This Government is choosing funds over families and people know it. The Government needs to wake up and take action.”

While the Minister for Housing, James Browne, did not provide a direct response to any of the Waterford-related issues raised, he did speak on the motion.

Minister Browne said that while he could not support the motion, he welcomed the opportunity to set out the Government’s housing plan in a counter motion.

He acknowledged the challenge the Government faces in tackling the housing crisis, which he described as “the single greatest pressure facing families and working people”.

He stated: “It is in housing where the Government is mobilising the most significant resources in the history of the State.

“We recognise the frustration that exists with housing as it is now for people and for their families. We recognise the strain being caused by rising prices and rents.

“We recognise the anxiety of those who have not purchased a home yet as they save and save for a mortgage, and who fear that owning a home may be some way away.

“The dignity of having your own door, be it through social housing, affordable housing supports from the Government, cost rental or private purchase, is essential.

“As Minister, I want to ensure people have a safe and secure home to grow up in and to grow old in.”

He added that the Government is not indifferent to the impact of bulk purchasing and is taking action to address the issue.

He said that the Government plans to restrict bulk purchasing by disincentivising it in favour of individual private homeownership.