Plans for Galway local authority rent increases criticised
The proposals arise from a 'Differential Rent Review', which aims to generate an additional €1 million in revenue per annum.
The proposals would entail a 3% increase in the proportion of assessable income, to be paid in rent, by those in social housing - going from 17% to 20%.
In real terms, this amounts to a weekly rent rise in the region of 17.6%.
The measures also include plans to abolish a €5 discount on rents for pensioners, those with children or people with a disability.
The local authority's meeting heard the move was an executive function, as opposed to a decision that would be made by elected representatives.
Effectively, this means councillors have no say on whether the decision will proceed.
The meeting heard that €2.8 million is outstanding in rent arrears at present.
Maintenance costs have doubled since 2019, and repair costs have surged for re-lets due in part to energy retrofitting obligations.
The council's Chief Executive Leonard Cleary said the plan was difficult but necessary to address a significant gap in funding for housing.
He said the revenue generated would go towards the maintenance of properties owned by the council.
The increase will also apply to tenants in accommodation provided by approved housing bodies.
Labour Councillor Niall McNelis described the proposed increase as "the third nail in the cross" for local authority tenants across the city.
He said a number of people on Housing Assistance Payments were already making under-the-counter payments to secure their tenancies.
He added that "the most vulnerable are the ones that are going to be hammered here".
Social Democrats Councillor Eibhlín Seoighthe said she was taken aback by the proposal.
She described the plan as "absolutely appalling", adding there was no cognizance of the societal impact it would have.
She added it was "a huge burden to bear, which should be measured more clearly".
Independent Councillor Mike Cubbard said some of the most vulnerable people in society were tenants of the local authority and that they needed to be protected.
He said the proposal to remove a €5 discount for those eligible was the worst decision he has seen since being elected to the local authority in 2014.
Labour's John McDonagh said the plan was like something from a Charles Dickens novel.
Sinn Féin Councillor Aisling Burke asked the executive not to proceed with the move.
She said people were already experiencing significant financial difficulties and that the increase in rents was unconscionable.
Citing one of four case studies presented to councillors in which a tenant's rent would go from €51 to €71 per week, she said the scale of that increase was very difficult to comprehend.
"You just cannot do it," she added.
Fine Gael's Shane Forde said there had been years of under-investment in Co Galway, adding the council was now experiencing the full force of this.
He pointed out that in recent months, councillors had approved increases to the Local Property Tax and commercial rates.
He said he was sickened that elected representatives in Dáil Éireann "never wear the Galway jersey" but were happy to be on the airwaves discussing issues of national and international import.
Fianna Fail's Michael Crowe said the examples presented to elected representatives appeared to show that those who were working would be most heavily penalised by the measures.
No date has been given for the increase to take effect, but it will be in place by the end of this year or early in 2026.
The Director of Services for Housing defended the proposals as "timely, proportionate, reasonable and needed".
Elizabeth Fanning said rents had not increased since 2019, adding that a large proportion of those impacted would be able to afford the rise.
She gave a commitment that the council would "100% work" to support vulnerable renters.
She also pointed out that even after the increases were processed, tenants of local authority housing in the city would still be paying around seven times less in rent than those in private rental accommodation.
A motion calling on the executive to abandon the 3% rent increase and instead proceed with a 1.5 % increase in January 2026, a similar hike in January 2028 as well as maintaining the €5 discount, was approved by all councillors.
However, the motion is not binding on the decision made by the Council Executive.
At the conclusion of more than an hour of discussions, the Council Chief Executive said he had noted the input of members and would reflect on their motions and feedback before making a final decision on the matter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
11 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Presidential race heats up: A look at the current favourites, long shots and non-runners
It was claimed this was the race no one wanted to enter, but nonetheless, a Grand National-style field is chaotically milling around the starting gates of the Presidential election due to take place later this year. With the final date for candidate selection looming, attempts are being made to bring order and control to the prospective runners and riders. Here we go through the large field of names and break them down into favourites, contenders, long shots and non-runners… Micheál Martin (Fianna Fáil, 8/1) Like Michael Corleone and the Cosa Nostra , every time Micheál tries to leave the Presidential race, his party drags him back in. Were he to run on a 'Grandad of the Nation' ticket, he would be in the final count — but our fabulously indecisive Taoiseach knows nothing is guaranteed. Micheal Martin. Pic: Getty Mairéad McGuinness (Fine Gael, 10/1) Technically the favourite, but concerns are high in Fine Gael that while she will start briskly, she could finish poorly. Front-runners and certainties have a bad history in Áras races. Ask David Norris and Adi Roche. Mary Lou McDonald (Sinn Féin, 12/1) Mary Lou is a formidable campaigner who actually connects with the voter. Best suited perhaps to a short sprint. Running could be a political shot to nothing — unless Mary Lou ends up as the sweeper candidate who gets Catherine Connolly over the line. Then we'd have trouble. Mary Lou McDonald. Pic: Fran Veale Catherine Connolly (Independent, 12/1) If the left can get its act together, the spiritual heir to Michael D. Higgins — despite their personal rivalry — has a real chance. Those of a mischievous political nature will know she would be an absolute thorn in the side of the Coalition. Bertie Ahern (Fianna Fáil, 25/1) A riddle in an enigma, Ahern is the most qualified candidate — but that's not how these things work. The Áras is a great contest of respectability, and there are too many spooks in the Bertie attic. The time for Bertie to get nervous is if Micheál calls him in and makes him an offer he'd be very wise to refuse — though that is very unlikely. Tony Holohan (Independent, 33/1) As Fianna Fáil scrambles for someone more credible than a couple of retired soccer players, could Tony Holohan surprise? With party backing, the odds on 'the people's doctor' could tighten quickly — and more than Fianna Fáil could be interested. A politically attractive name. Tony Holohan. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/ Niall Quinn / Packie Bonner (Fianna Fáil, 33/1) Two sporting wild cards from the Jack Charlton soccer era. It could go very well, but also has the potential to resemble Eamon Coughlan's brief Fine Gael career. It ended in the Seanad. Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin, 40/1) She's very good at the smiling, emoting and looking regal part of the post. But she would have a lot of work to do to overcome the innate partitionist instincts of the Southern voter — and that's just when it comes to Cork candidates. Lynn Boylan (Sinn Féin, 50/1) In the absence of much better, she has come late to the fray. Much has been made of her EU vote, but since topping the poll with 23.6% in 2013, her vote has remained around 10%. Gerry Adams (Sinn Féin, 50/1) He has the same chance as Bertie. We'll leave it at that. Gerry Adams. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire John Finucane (Sinn Féin, 50/1) With his life story, he could contend — but is expected to prefer to stick with the grown-ups in the Northern head office rather than a 14-year stretch in the prison of the Phoenix Park. Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (Fianna Fáil, 66/1) Sparkly and energetic. Elbowed her way through a reasonably impressive field by EU election standards. Unlikely — but not impossible. A.N. Other (Aontú mystery candidate, 75/1) There's talk of Aontú stitching together enough votes to nominate a mystery candidate. Some believe it might be Declan Ganley — which would be a case of too little, too opinionated. Mary Hanafin (Fianna Fáil, 80/1) Ms Hanafin said it would be 'an insult' if Fianna Fáil didn't run a candidate. It would — but it's more likely the party ends up running her. Eamon Ryan (Greens, 80/1) Deserves the chance to hear the public view on initiatives like bicycle carriages in trains where, unlike the standing hoi polloi, bikes can have a rest. Minister Eamon Ryan. Pic: Fran Veale Mike Ryan (Labour, 80/1) A well-intentioned UN bureaucrat that nobody knows. Likely to fare as well as his Labour sponsors: that is, around 5%. Fergus Finlay (Labour, 80/1) Likely to fare only slightly better than Mr Ryan. Peter Power (Fianna Fáil, 100/1) Apparently was a minister back in the day. Already dubbed 'Mr 3%' — in reference to his polling. A nice guy, but we all know where they finish. Colum Eastwood (Anyone at this stage, 100/1) The former SDLP leader is still — apparently — in the running. Fintan O'Toole (Independent, 100/1) Political credibility vanished after failing to show up for service in the 2011 election. Conor McGregor (Independent, 250/1) Someone should tell him that unlike Trump, being President doesn't let you pardon yourself. That might cool his jets. Conor McGregor. Pic: Edward Berthelot/GC Images Mick Wallace (Independent, 250/1) A case of 'send in the clowns', but the idea of Mick — and political partner Clare Daly — in the Park is fleetingly tempting, just for the nosebleeds it would cause. Peter Casey (Independent, 250/1) Too much competition these days in the dog-whistling market. Michael Flatley (Who knows?, 250/1) Says he's been approached by 'people in the know' — but doesn't know himself if he's keen. Jumping from Lord to President might not be that hard though. Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael) Wily Fine Gael fox read the room and got out swiftly. Mairéad, take note. Miriam O'Callaghan (Independent) Would have to run as an Independent, but the running would suit Fianna Fáil, which might take the 'spontaneous' decision to back 'our Miriam'. Still 20/1 despite seemingly ruling herself out. Miriam O'Callaghan. Pic: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael) A clever campaigner who was an early favourite. Also made a smart early exit. Mairéad, take note again. Seán Kelly (Fine Gael) Clever fox spent some time sniffing around before bolting back to the burrow. Frances Black (Independent) She's in. She's out. She's in. No one cares anymore. Joe Duffy (Possibly Labour) Wisely took another page from Gaybo's book and decided fronting Aldi ads is a better retirement plan. Joe Duffy. Pic: Michael Chester Máire Geoghegan-Quinn (Fianna Fáil) Has a life — and intends to keep it. Silence makes it abundantly clear no amount of excitable FF TDs will change that. Jarlath Burns (Independent) Decided that being President of the GAA was the better gig. Barry Andrews (Fianna Fáil) Exited the race before embarrassing himself further. Holly Cairns (Social Democrats) Could have stood on a 'Something different… something nice' ticket, but her party wisely decided to focus on actual politics.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Irish Times
The Irish Times view on the political outlook: Coalition will be judged on delivery
Six months after the Government was formed last January, it would be hard to say that the Coalition has hit the ground running. It had a stumbling start with fierce rows over changes to the Dáil standing order necessitated by the Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael deal with the independents. Its greatest challenge is clearly increasing housing output quickly, but it has often seemed hesitant, indecisive and lethargic. Now it faces a hugely uncertain – and potentially enormously damaging – economic and trading environment in the coming months, just as it prepares to frame its first budget. Nevertheless, this week's Irish Times/Ipsos B&A poll shows support for the two Government parties holding steady, while its satisfaction rating – and that of its leaders – is also maintained. Instead, it is the main Opposition party Sinn Féin, which saw a slump, albeit after the surge in the last poll in April. It is hard to escape the sense that politics is settling into a familiar groove. And yet the Coalition would be deeply unwise to presume too much on the patience of the voters. More than half (53 per cent) of all respondents say that the problems facing the country are getting worse; just 14 per cent say that the Coalition is making progress, while 30 per cent say progress has stalled. These are shocking figures. Unless the Government can convince voters that it can demonstrate progress ––on housing, on public service, on the cost of living – the numbers on political support will soon reflect that. A similar attitude of being generally unimpressed is evident in today's findings on the forthcoming presidential election. The presumptive Fine Gael candidate, Mairead McGuinness, leads the field on 14 per cent, followed by newly declared candidate Catherine Connolly on 8 per cent. Mary Lou McDonald – will she or won't she run? – is on 8 per cent. But it is instructive that the most popular responses in the poll were 'none of the names so far appeal to me' (18 per cent), and 'not sure' (20 per cent). This contest has not yet registered in a meaningful way with the voters. READ MORE Elsewhere in today's results, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe emerges as the minister who is most highly regarded by the public, with almost half of them saying he is doing a good job. Donohoe is also, by some distance, the favourite choice of the public and of Fine Gael voters to succeed Simon Harris as leader, if he were to depart. It will be interesting to see if the popularity of Donohoe – the Government's leading advocate for fiscal prudence – survives the budget season. This reaches a key point next week with the publication of the Summer Economic Statement, when the two budget ministers, Donohoe and Jack Chambers, will underline the need to control current spending, in part to leave room for more State investment. It is the correct course, but that does not mean it will be popular.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Hundreds more MoD data breaches revealed as security questions raised in wake of Afghan breach
The latest MoD data shows there were 569 incidents in 2023-24 – up from 550 the previous year – which included electronic devices being lost and protected documents not being disposed of properly. In one incident last year, the details of 272,000 staff – including names and bank details – were breached when one of its systems, run by an external contractor, was hacked by a 'malign actor'. In another case, the MoD was fined £350,000 (€404,000) by the Information Commissioner for a breach related to the handling of emails linked to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) – the scheme to bring Afghans with links to British forces to safety in UK. Kevan Jones, the chairman of the powerful Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), has demanded that the MoD give an explanation as to why high-security information is being held on low-security systems. It follows the revelation this week of a catastrophic data breach, which exposed 100,000 Afghans to potential reprisals from the Taliban, costing the UK taxpayer billions and prompting a three-year cover-up through the use of an unprecedented super-injunction. Further concerns emerged on Thursday after it was revealed that UK spies and special forces soldiers were also potentially exposed by the incident. Already, members of the ISC, which has a statutory duty to hold government agencies to account, are furious that the MoD ignored a request by a judge to share the details of the original Afghan data breach with the committee. But now the Labour peer who chairs the committee has raised questions over whether the MoD's systems to handle sensitive data are good enough. Mr Jones said: 'There seems to have been a number of breaches. It raises questions not just about the systems but how they are used. "The big unanswered question on the Afghanistan data leak is why such secret information was being held on a low-side system and not a secure encrypted system.' ADVERTISEMENT The ISC has demanded documents relating to the Afghan breach and could launch its own inquiry into the scandal. But the issue is also set to be raised in the inquiry that the Commons defence select committee will hold after the summer recess. Tan Dhesi, the Labour defence select committee chair, said: 'This is going to end up being one of the most costly email blunders in history. . 'Rigorous safeguards must be in place to ensure that this cannot happen again. " It's shameful that courageous Afghans who served alongside British soldiers have had their safety jeopardised by this leak. 'The revelation that this breach has also put our brave British service personnel at risk makes the situation even more shocking.
