Holly Cairns Raises Dublin 2 Property with 22 Beds at €890/Month; Taoiseach Defends Supply
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns criticized the conversion of a Dublin 2 office into 22 bed spaces renting at €890/month, likening it to tenement conditions. She also opposed extending the Rent-A-Room scheme to garden units lacking tenant protections. The Taoiseach defended increasing housing supply, dismissing criticisms as political.
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns raised concerns with the Taoiseach regarding a former office on Clare Street, Dublin 2, converted into residential property offering 22 bed spaces for rent at up to €890 per month each. Cairns highlighted that these conditions, where tenants share rooms with three or four others, resemble historical tenement living and should not be tolerated.
Cairns also criticized the government's extension of the Rent-A-Room scheme to garden units, arguing that promoting market rents of €2,000-€3,000 for such dwellings, which lack full tenancy protections and RTB recourse, is inappropriate.
The Taoiseach responded by emphasizing his focus on increasing housing supply to stabilize rents, accusing Cairns' party of opposing government supply measures. He cited the launch of 2,000 new homes this week. Labour's housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan questioned if the Taoiseach would live in a «shed», referring to garden units. The Taoiseach rejected the term «sheds», stating these units can cost up to €80,000 and offer legitimate housing options, accusing Sheehan of «playing politics».