Sinn Féin has raised concerns over the "alarming increases" in the price of rental properties in Co Galway.

The party also called on the government to "act immediately" to tackle the crisis after a report by Daft.ie revealed a 15 per cent increase in the cost of some properties in the last year.

Sinn Féin Senator, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, said: "The average rent in Galway city is now €900, an increase of 12.7% from this time last year. In the county the average is €618, which is an annual increase of 12.7%.

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"It is quite clear that the failure of the last government to listen to the concerns of Sinn Féin have made the situation worse for people in Galway struggling to find accommodation, or to keep up with their rental payments. That is why we have reintroduced our Rent Certainty Bill and we are calling on all Galway TD's to support it.

"The bill will link any increase or decrease in rents to the Consumer Price Index. This would stabilise the private rental market by providing greater certainty of rent for both the landlord and tenant. It would prevent market volatility and provide greater protection to tenants from dramatic increases in rents."

(CD)