Sinn Féin's Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has expressed concern at figures released by the RTB this week, showing the average rent in Cork at €1,291 per month, up 5.9%.
The Cork South Central TD said:
"The rental sector is still in crisis. This government is picking up where they last left off and have failed to properly regulate against unsustainable rent hikes, while failing to deliver affordable rental homes at the scale required.
"Figures published by the Residential Tenancies Board this week show that Cork city has the third highest average rent in the State, at €1,291 per month. This is a 5.9% increase, compared to the same period the previous year.
"The government has no plan for the rental sector. Eoin Ó Broin does.
"In government, Sinn Féin would implement an emergency, three-year ban on rent increases and legislate for tenancies of indefinite duration.
"We would also introduce a refundable tax credit for tenants in the private rented sector to put a month's rent back in every renter's pocket. We would also ensure that all rental properties are compliant with minimum standards by introducing an NCT style certification system.
"There is action that can be taken to address the rental crisis. It just requires political will. This government has no plan to reduce rents, protect renters from further rent hikes or prioritise affordable rental supply."
