Fianna Fáil is urging the Tánaiste to extend the tenancy protection scheme to the suburbs adjoining Cork city.

Cork South Central Michael McGrath TD confirmed it was recently extended to Cork City, however it does not cover Cork County.

The tenancy protection scheme, which is operated by the housing charity Threshold and the Department of Social Protection, enables households in the private rented sector and in receipt of rent allowance, to seek an increase where they face rent increases they cannot meet.

-- Advertisement --

Deputy McGrath said: "In recent months we have seen a growing trend emerge whereby the rising cost of rents in large suburbs adjoining Cork City are putting families at risk of becoming homeless. The fact of the matter is that rents in many parts in Cork - not just in the city - have outstripped the rent supplement thresholds set by the department and this has created massive problems. In addition, the rental market now is very much a landlord's market and persons dependent on rent supplement are at a distinct disadvantage.

"When you examine the current rental prices across Cork, it is clear that the accommodation crisis is as severe in the suburbs as it is in the city. I am calling on the Tánaiste to extend the tenant protection scheme to the suburbs adjoining the city."

(CD/MH)