Rising Laois' rent prices a 'serious concern'

Rent prices in Laois have now skyrocketed to an average of  €1,259 per month for new tenancies, according to a new report from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

In the Portlaoise Local Electoral Area the average cost of renting a property has jumped to €1,317 per month while the average cost of rent for existing tenancies in the county has risen to €1,017, a 7% rise in just 12 months.

The figures have been described as completely unsustainable by Laois Senator Maria McCormack. 

She said the report from the RTB is "yet another stark reminder of how out of control the rental crisis has become – especially here in Laois.

"Workers and families in Laois are being priced out of their communities. The private rental sector is more expensive and more insecure than ever before.

“Despite the so-called Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs), these figures show that rent caps are being routinely ignored or undermined. There is a clear pattern of non-compliance, and the government is doing nothing about it.

“Meanwhile, we see eviction notices on the rise again nationally, and the government is slashing vital homeless prevention schemes like the tenant-in-situ programme. These are lifelines for families who are at risk of homelessness.

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“Minister James Browne must reverse the cuts to social housing acquisitions and tenant protections. He must also resist pressure from vested interests who want to weaken rent controls even further. Sinn Féin is calling for a ban on rent increases, a refundable tax credit worth a month’s rent for all private renters, and a major ramp-up of affordable and social housing delivery. People in Laois and across Ireland need more than lip service – they need action."

Dr Rachel Slaymaker, Research Officer with the ESRI said: “Nationally, the Rent Index shows average rents continue to rise for new and existing tenancies, but the data for the final quarter of 2024 show a clear moderation in the rate of rental price inflation throughout 2024. Despite falling rental inflation for new tenancies nationally though, price rises do remain persistently high in certain counties.”