Renters in Dublin and Cork will still face hikes of hundreds of euro a year under plans being announced by the Housing Minister this lunchtime.
Simon Coveney's secured Cabinet approval for measures that won't link rent increases to inflation, instead capping increases in Dublin and Cork.
It comes as the housing charity, Threshold, reports a 54% rise in the number of people seeking their help.
Under Simon Coveney's plan Dublin and Cork will be declared as 'pressure zones' and rent increases here will be capped at 4% a year.
But that will still mean hikes for someone paying €1,000 a month of €480 a year.
Anti Austerity Alliance TD, Paul Murphy isn't impressed.
And Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy says people in Dublin can't afford any increase.
The plan's being launched on the day Threshold says demand for its services increased last year by 54% from just over 21,000 to almost 33,000 with 'skyrocketing rents' being the main issue.
The trends continue in 2016 and Chairperson Aideen Hayden believes a rent cap in Dublin and Cork may be welcome.
When the Minister announces his plan this lunchtime, apart from security of price, people will want to see what he does on supply and standards as well.
