High rents in Mayo town "affecting people's mental health"

"I am deeply concerned about the mental health effects of high rents in and around Castlebar. It's clear that many people are struggling."

That's according to local independent election candidate Harry Barrett.

He elaborated: "High rents make people feel stuck. They can't save up for a deposit to buy a house because so much of their income goes towards rent.

"This makes them worry that they'll never be able to own a home because of the high prices.

"This is now very much about people's well-being. People feel down because they see others getting on with life, yet their dreams of a home seem distant.

"They feel poorer too because so much of their income is going on their rent.

"This government has led us to this situation where the failure to build enough social and affordable homes over the last 20 years has given us the highest rents ever.

"Also, the failure to regulate Airbnb, a platform that has taken up all of the long-term rental, means that there is a severe shortage of properties for young families to rent, and those that are available are at extortionate prices.

"Shockingly, in Mayo there is a 27:1 ratio between short-term let's and long-term lets and this government sits on its hands and says nothing about this. It is unconscionable.

"As an independent candidate, I will work tirelessly to bring attention to this issue and fight for policies that help people find stable and affordable housing in and around Castlebar.

"No one should have to sacrifice their mental health because of high rents," he added.