Sinn Fein has called government to do more to deal with the rent crisis in Co Louth.

Leader of the party Gerry Adams made the call and also cautiously welcomed the announcement that Drogheda has been designated as a rent pressure zone.

Mr adams said: "While I welcome Drogheda's designation as a rent pressure zone, it is clear that the Residential Tenancy Board should be given additional powers and resources to ensure that the designation is being adhered to.

-- Advertisement --

"Sinn Féin firmly believes that linking rents to an index such as the CPI is one measure that should be adopted.

"We have tabled numerous Bills and amendments calling for the introduction of real rent certainty along these lines. Unfortunately, both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil failed to support these measures.

"Tenants also need greater security of tenure. Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy must reconsider the government’s opposition to a Focus Ireland amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act. This measure would prevent buy-to-let landlords, who took advantage of generous tax breaks when purchasing their properties, from issuing vacant possession notice to families when they want to sell the property. This measure alone would prevent more families from going homeless and would keep properties on the rental market."

(CD/MH)