‘I DON’T THINK IT ADDRESSES DUBLIN’S RENTAL CRISIS’

HEATHER, who comes from an area outside Clonakilty with just one bus every hour, said she was pleased that the Budget included a provision to boost rural transport. Mr Donohoe announced that the Government will invest €384million in rural transport – the lack of funding has been a long-standing gripe for TDs.

‘The service where I live in Cork is very limited,’ says Heather, who visits her parents once every few weeks. ‘You have to drive to the bus stop and the cost of the service is quite expensive. It’s very difficult and expensive to get anywhere from the rural parts of Ireland. The bus from Clonakilty to Cork [an hour’s journey] costs about €12 one way. There’s very few train routes, and any that do exist are expensive and the trains are overcrowded.

‘I hope the money will be used to provide more routes, increased frequency and a more affordable service. My parents have two cars and need them because of where we live.’

Although she was pleased with the changes the Budget may bring near her home town, Heather said she was disappointed that more effort hadn’t been made to address the growing rental crisis in Dublin city.

Paschal Donohoe announced no new measures to help renters other than €2million in additional Residential Tenancies Board funding to ensure compliance with rent legislation.

‘I don’t think it’s enough,’ said Heather. ‘I think more needs to be done to stop landlords increasing rent… I would have liked to have seen a move towards closer regulation in this area.

‘Rent is a huge issue in Dublin. Dublin is changing in the face of so many multinationals and tech companies locating here, with employees on good wages who can afford to rent, which means that students and those on “normal” incomes just can’t afford to live here.’

Heather also says she was disappointed that the 12.5% rate of corporation tax isn’t changing.

‘I don’t think it’s ideal. I think the rate should be normalised in line with general EU standards.’