Councillors to ask for rent controls

GOREY councillors are to write to the Minister for Housing Simon Coveney to put forward the case for Gorey to be deemed a ‘Rent Pressure Zone.’

Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin put a motion to the recent Municipal District meeting stating ‘Gorey Municipal District Council notes that the Minister for Housing, Simon Coveney has stated that he may consider extending the “Rent Pressure Zone” to some counties in the Dublin commuter zone in the new year. This council calls on Minster Coveney to include North Wexford within any expanded zone.’

‘Rental prices are crazy,’ he stated. ‘I would hate to think the new scheme wouldn’t be extended to here.’

Cllr Malcolm Byrne pointed out that the issue in Gorey was one of supply, in both the public and private sector. He felt that rent control measures might perhaps make the problem worse, drive people out of the market, and exacerbate the problem.

‘ The only way to solve it is to increase supply,’ he said. ‘I worry about a rent pressure control zone. It may work as a short term measure but it may make people reluctant to put their property on the market,’ he said.

Cllr Joe Sullivan felt the motion had its merits, but felt the chances of getting North Wexford included ‘are quite slim.’

Cllr Mary Farrell supported the motion but worried about current tenants, as landlords might evict them and get new tenants to cover the four per cent increase.

Cllr John Hegarty felt they should see details of the measure first, as Gorey may not be able to get priority over Arklow and Wicklow. Cllr Pip Breen felt the Minister wouldn’t give different treatment for Gorey from the rest of Wexford.

‘I’m not saying it’s a panacea,’ said Cllr Ó Súilleabháin. ‘I’m seeing this as a compromise motion that everyone can support. I’m just saying it may help. Supply is also a problem in Cork and Dublin. I would just like the Minister to see North Wexford as a high pressure zone.’

They agreed to write to the Minister informing him of the pressure in Gorey, and requesting the area to be included in some way.