North Wexford TD Urges Minister Lawless to Scrap Student Rent Hike Plans

A North Wexford TD has called on Minister James Lawless to abandon plans to increase student rents. Under current proposals, student rent hikes could occur before 2029, despite existing rules from the Department of Housing that prevent rent increases for most tenants until then. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin has argued that the government’s plan would prioritize private investment in student accommodation at the expense of struggling students. In a speech in the Dail he has criticized the move as part of a broader trend of government policies that burden students, including a recent €500 increase in student fees. The TD urged Minister Lawless to reject the plan, warning that it would add to the financial strain on students and their families during an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.