Dublin: Protests are set to take place in the capital against plans by Dublin City Council to increase rents for social housing tenants under a revised differential rent scheme due to come into effect on April 6.
The demonstration, organised under the banner “Drop the Rent Hikes”, is supported by groups including People Before Profit and Community Action Tenants Union Ireland. Protesters are expected to gather at the Garden of Remembrance at 1:00 pm before marching to the council’s headquarters at Wood Quay.
The rent scheme, first introduced in November 2025, proposes revised rent levels for all social housing tenancies in Dublin city. This includes properties owned or leased by Dublin City Council, as well as homes managed by approved housing bodies.
Critics claim that rents could rise by as much as 30% for tenants across multiple local authorities, including Fingal County Council and Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council. The increases are also expected to affect recipients of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Opponents argue that this would represent the largest rent increase in three decades, with other councils such as South Dublin County Council reportedly considering similar measures.
Council Defends Revenue Measures
Dublin City Council has stated that the revised scheme will set a minimum rent of €24 per week, bringing the average weekly rent to €108, or approximately €470 per month. The authority estimates that the changes will generate an additional €33 million annually.
According to the council, the increased revenue is necessary to address rising maintenance and management costs, which are not currently covered by rental income. Funds will be directed toward upgrading existing housing stock, including energy efficiency improvements, boiler replacements, refurbishment of apartment complexes and shared spaces, as well as repairs to windows, doors, and roofs. The scheme will also support home adaptations and is based on tenants’ income levels.
Opposition Voices Concern Over Cost-of-Living Impact
Opposition figures have strongly criticised the proposed increases. Conor Reddy, a councillor with People Before Profit, argued that raising rents amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis would place additional strain on already struggling households.
Similarly, Paul Murphy, a TD for People Before Profit, warned that the impact of the increases would be severe, particularly as many families are already facing rising fuel and energy costs.
Critics also point out that many households are coping with overcrowding, with adult children remaining at home due to a lack of affordable housing, further compounding financial pressures.
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