Rents have become increasingly unaffordable across Ireland, with the fastest recent growth outside Dublin, according to the Social Democrats’ housing spokesperson, Rory Hearne.

He said the capital's rents are about 25% above pre-pandemic levels, but regional increases over recent years have been even steeper.

Deputy Hearne said: "The Daft report shows the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment nationwide is currently €2,204 per month, and €2,634 in Dublin – these figures make for sickening reading for those looking to rent, facing eviction, or experiencing homelessness.

"Rents in Connacht-Ulster and Munster have increased by 90% and 75% respectively in the past six years, locking tens of thousands out of the housing market.

"Wherever you look across the country, rents have risen to unaffordable levels, a trend perpetuated by Government housing policy.

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"The Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael approach to housing is deeply flawed, addressing the wants of investor funds and corporate landlords before the needs of struggling renters and those in housing precarity and homelessness.

"Outside Dublin, where rents have been out of reach for the vast majority of families for years now, market rents in the second quarter were 13% higher year-on-year in Galway city, 12% higher in Cork, and up 11% in Limerick.

"Renters are forced to pay massive proportions of their salaries just to keep a roof over their heads. This generation of renters have next to no opportunity to save a deposit to buy a home, locked out of the market by corporate greed.

"New research from PTSB today found that over 52% of under-35s believe they will never be in a position to buy a home, forced to rent for the rest of their lives or add their name to an over-subscribed social housing list. The dreams of our young people have been shattered, pushing thousands from our shores in the process.

"The Social Democrats have put forward short, medium and long term solutions in the form of a rent freeze, eviction ban, the ramp up of delivery of affordable purchase homes and a state construction company to make a real difference for those in housing precarity.

"Government inaction, and an outlook that lacks even a modicum of ambition, cannot underpin the State's delivery of housing any longer."

The comments were issued on 24 August 2026 alongside the publication of the latest Daft rental report and new PTSB research.