Sinn Féin motion calling for three-year ban on rent increases defeated in the Dáil

A Sinn Féin motion calling for an emergency three-year ban on rent increases was defeated in a Dáil vote yesterday (Wednesday) evening.

The party's Longford-Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke expressed her disappointment that the proposal was not supported by other local TDs.

"Renters in Westmeath will be deeply disappointed that their Government TDs voted against Sinn Féin's proposals to support renters and end the housing crisis. It's clear that renters in Westmeath need immediate support," said Deputy Clarke in a press statement.

"Latest figures show rents in Athlone are as much as €1,850 per month for a two-bedroom property, a sum that is totally unaffordable for people on ordinary incomes.

"Sinn Féin's plan would tackle the housing crisis and stand up for renters. It would put a full month's rent back in every private renter's pocket and increase the supply of affordable properties to rent and buy.

"Fine Gael have been in Government for 12 years, and Fianna Fáil have been propping them up for seven years. The housing crisis continues to go from bad to worse under their watch.

"The Government has missed the social and affordable housing targets three years in a row. Meanwhile the price of rent is spiralling and people are giving up hope of ever owning their own homes.

"Is it any wonder that so many of our young people who cannot afford this level of rent are emigrating?

"This week, Sinn Féin set out our proposals to end the housing crisis. TDs in Westmeath had the opportunity to show they are on the side of struggling renters by supporting Sinn Féin's plan.

"Renters in Westmeath need to know why their TDs failed to back this motion. I am urging these TDs to explain why they have abandoned renters instead of backing our plan," she stated.