The Daily Star Ireland
The Minister for Housing has expressed strong confidence that new legislation to broaden rent pressure zones (RPZs) across Ireland will be enacted within the current week. During a press briefing focused on the government’s approach to the housing emergency, the minister emphasized that the issue remains a top priority and that momentum is building behind various critical policy responses.
The minister acknowledged personal frustration with the pace of progress but reiterated that recent and upcoming announcements reflect meaningful government action. Addressing criticism regarding the government’s decision not to extend RPZs the previous week, he defended the delay, stating that legislative progress has been swift and is expected to gain cross-party support as it moves through the Oireachtas.
Legislative Timelines and Broader Housing Policy Measures
The new legislative package, approved by Cabinet, includes a nationwide extension of the 2% cap on rent increases. This expansion will bring an estimated 17% of currently uncovered tenancies under the RPZ scheme. The Dáil is scheduled to debate the bill, followed by a session in the Seanad the next day. If passed without delay, the legislation could be enacted by the end of the week.
Alongside this development, the minister confirmed that tenants would not face penalties for breaking six-year leases due to take effect from March next year. He cited the availability of new prospective tenants and the ability of landlords to adjust rent back to market levels as justification for the tenant-friendly clause.
In response to rising land prices, the minister announced plans to write to local authorities within three weeks, urging them to intensify efforts to acquire land for development. He underscored the urgency of this action as part of a broader land strategy tied to increased housing output.
The minister also stated there would be no requirement for landlords to offer rent exemptions for students, explaining such a measure would be unenforceable. This position will remain in the forthcoming rental sector reforms.
Agency Roles and Planning Reform
In a bid to expedite housing delivery, the Land Development Agency (LDA) is set to receive expanded powers. These enhancements will empower the agency to source land from both public and private sectors, streamlining its role in driving residential construction nationwide. The minister cited the LDA’s track record in delivering social and affordable housing as evidence of its capacity to scale operations.
Significant planning reforms are also being implemented. Changes to An Bord Pleanála, soon to be rebranded as An Coimisiún Pleanála, are intended to improve efficiency in planning decisions. The new chair of the body, former HSE chief Paul Reid, has been confirmed with an annual salary of €50,000. The reform is aimed at expediting infrastructure and housing developments that have been mired in bureaucratic delays.
Recent complementary reforms include updates to the National Planning Framework, changes to extension and exemption rules in planning law, and the creation of the Housing Activation Office. These efforts are designed to work in concert with the RPZ legislation to address the structural and operational challenges in the housing system.
Opposition Response and Upcoming Debate
An opposition motion calling for increased public investment in housing and a ban on no-fault evictions is scheduled for debate in the Dáil this evening. Additionally, a protest organized by the Raise the Roof campaign is expected outside Leinster House, reflecting ongoing public concern over housing affordability and tenancy security.
Labour’s housing spokesperson signaled likely support for the emergency RPZ legislation but criticized the government’s communication around last week’s announcement as unclear and ineffective. He reported hearing from constituents concerned about landlords planning significant rent increases. Labour is expected to push for a fully inclusive and consistent national rent control policy without loopholes.
