Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte, has said the extension of the Rent Pressure Zone’s (RPZ) to include Athenry-Oranmore, while welcome for tenants in the area, is a sign of the government’s failing housing policy in Galway.

She commented:

It is bittersweet that Athenry-Oranmore is now classed as a Rent Pressure Zone. It is welcome for those in private rented accommodation who have faced regular price increases.

Yet today’s classification is another sign that the housing crisis is only getting worse.

Deputy Rabbitte continued:

We know rental costs are soaring across the country. This is due to a lack of social and affordable housing. It is leaving many people in private rented accommodation, with their costs and fate dictated by their landlords.  The housing crisis has been this government’s biggest test. They are completely and utterly failing this test and more must be done to support young families across Galway.