Ó Laoghaire: Rent crisis needs addressing

A massive rent arrears debt crisis is on the cards if the Government doesn’t intervene.

That’s according to Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central, who this week called on the Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty to provide an emergency rent supplement payment for those experiencing difficulties paying their rent due to Covid-19.

With rents due this week, the deputy said that the issue is now urgent.

Deputy Ó Laoghaire has said: “If the minister does not act to support renters now, then we will be facing a massive rent arrears debt crisis when the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted with terrible consequences for renters, the rental sector and the economy. I know countless tenants in Cork who are still facing demands from landlords, that they cannot meet. They need assistance with their rent.”

Sinn Féin has written to the social protection minister asking her to confirm that her department is working on a scheme to help renters while also asking her to announce it as a matter of urgency.

He said: “This week, most people will have to pay their rent and I am getting dozens of queries from concerned renters as to how they are meet to meet these costs after losing work. What renters need now is reassurance and clarity from the minister that accessing this payment is an option for those struggling with rental costs.”