Mayo housing figures in census 'show scale of government failure' – TD

A TD has said that the latest Census Housing Report on Mayo is a damning indictment of seven years of failed government housing policy.

Erris-based Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh said: “The report highlights some very worrying trends.

"Average rents in Mayo have increased by 31% since 2016.

"The number of older and retired renters have increased by a dramatic 93% during the same period – this is even above the alarmingly high state average.

“These figures are a damning incitement of seven years of failed government housing policy.

“Despite two housing plans and three housing ministers, an even greater number of people are unable to access secure and affordable accommodation.

“Younger people cannot afford to buy and are left paying rip-off rents or forced to move back home with parents.

"A growing number of older people are trapped in a rental market that is expensive and insecure.

“All the while, almost 4,000 homes have been lying vacant for over seven years, despite all the government’s talk of tackling vacancy."