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Irish council tenants face steep rent rises under differing local rules

RTÉ's Prime Time examines doubled bills, inconsistent council schemes and the argument over how much households should contribute.

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RTÉ News Story of November 14, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of RTÉ News's most watched videos since yesterday, with 16,074 views.

Why are some social housing rents rising so sharply? | Prime Time

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1:00Linda Roddy says her Ballymun rent doubled to €320 a week, making payments difficult.
1:46Michelle Norris and John-Mark McCafferty explain inconsistencies in income-linked council rents and problems financing repairs.
3:20Carrick-on-Shannon tenants describe steep increases and explain the protests against them.
4:47Crosby's report compares different percentage rates used by county councils.
10:10Paul Murphy challenges the scale of increases and calls for higher eligibility caps and taxes on big businesses.
11:12Séamus McGrath defends reviewing the system, arguing that household income should determine contributions rather than location.

Linda Roddy says her council rent in Ballymun has doubled to €320 a week, leaving her household struggling to pay. Her experience opens up a wider question in RTÉ News's Prime Time report: why can the rent charged to social housing tenants differ so much depending on their council?

Reporter Josh Crosby examines Ireland's differential rent system, which links rent to household income but operates under different local rules. The report contrasts council percentage rates and hears from tenants protesting increases in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim. Carmel Garvey says they want a lower percentage charge and a cap.

UCD social policy professor Michelle Norris and Threshold chief executive John-Mark McCafferty examine the inconsistencies. McCafferty identifies another problem: he says the existing system is not a sustainable way for local authorities to finance repairs.

The studio discussion, chaired by Miriam O'Callaghan, turns on how to reconcile affordability with income-based contributions. People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Paul Murphy argues that councils are imposing increases at rates that would be illegal in private renting. He calls for higher social housing eligibility caps and greater taxation of big businesses.

Fianna Fáil housing spokesperson Séamus McGrath defends a review of the system and argues that charges should reflect household income rather than location. In his view, households with high incomes should not pay similar rents to those on very modest incomes.