As figures rise nationally, west Dublin has been hit by an 11% average increase in rent, something which can only be solved by public housing, according to David Gardiner, Workers’ Party representative for Palmerstown-Fonthill.

Gardiner said:
“The average monthly rental cost in west Dublin now stands at €1,926. When you take into consideration the rising cost of living, as well as the minimum monthly wage of €1,774.50, it becomes clear to see why so many working people are struggling.”

“In Dublin 20, which includes Palmerstown, the average rent for a 3-bedroom house is €1,944. How is a working family supposed to balance that with the cost of food, clothes, electricity, doctor’s appointments, childcare, education, having a social life and more?”

“The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin 20 is €1,314. A young person on the minimum wage would have only €406 after rent. How can they ever realistically expect to move out of their parent’s house?”

“Landlords and developers won’t solve this crisis; they’re the ones benefiting from it while rising costs keep many people awake at night.”

“The only solution to the housing crisis is a universally-accessible system of mixed-income public housing.”