Pressure continues on young people from soaring rents in Mayo
Councillor Harry Barrett has highlighted the latest Residential Tenancies Board figures which show new tenancy rents in Mayo rising by more than 10 per-cent in a year.
Councillor Barrett said: “The latest RTB figures show new tenancy rents in Mayo rising by more than ten percent in a year, and young people are being hit the hardest. Many are working full time yet still cannot keep up with rent.
"Others are stuck in overcrowded family homes or leaving the county altogether, because they cannot find an affordable place to live.
“It is draining the confidence of a whole generation and undermining the future of our towns. These increases are the direct result of years of failed government policy.
"We keep hearing that housing supply is improving and that reforms are working, but the reality in Mayo tells a different story. Rents continue to climb, and choices continue to shrink. Young renters deserve better than a system that keeps pushing them to the margins.”
Councillor Barrett believes that there are certain steps that would help young people.
“There are clear steps that would ease pressure and help bring rents down. A temporary freeze on rent increases, combined with a refundable rent credit that genuinely reduces monthly bills, would give young people immediate breathing room.
“A serious boost in public and affordable housing supply is also essential. Mayo County Council needs the funding and staffing to build homes directly at scale, rather than relying almost entirely on the private market.
“Finally, the tax advantages enjoyed by large investment funds must end. These incentives distort the market and encourage the purchase of homes as investment products rather than places for people to live. Removing these supports and keeping new homes for actual residents, would help cool the rental market and reduce price pressure.”
The Castlebar Councillor added: “Young people across Mayo deserve the chance to build their lives here without being crippled by rent. It is time for policies that put them first.”