Highest number of evictions 'since the famine' - Ó Broin

Ireland is facing a housing crisis of unprecedented proportions, with Sinn Féin warning of the highest number of evictions since the Great Famine. The latest figures from the Residential Tenancies Board reveal a staggering 50% increase in eviction notices issued in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period last year.

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thousands of renters now don't know where they will live in nine months

This surge in evictions, totaling 7,062 notices, is directly linked to the new rental rules introduced by the government on March 1st. These rules, which allow landlords to set rents at market rates for vacant properties and mandate six-year leases for new tenants, were intended to increase housing supply. However, opposition parties and housing advocates argue they have instead fueled a wave of evictions, leaving thousands of renters in precarious situations.

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shows the Government are failing

Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin, has vehemently criticized the government's handling of the crisis, calling for an immediate ban on no-fault evictions. He paints a grim picture of renters facing impossible choices: emigrate, enter emergency accommodation, or return to living in their family homes. The stark reality of the housing crisis is visible on the streets of Dublin, with derelict properties standing in contrast to the government's claims of addressing the issue. The situation demands urgent action and a fundamental shift in housing policy to protect vulnerable citizens.

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Is that a Government doing everything they can?