merrion street

Minister Murphy and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government have been focused on ensuring critical service areas under the department’s remit including water, homeless services and fire and emergency services are prepared to deal with the Covid-19 crisis.

The minister understands that some tenants living in rental accommodation may be concerned about their ability to pay rent in the coming weeks if their income is reduced. A range of income supports are available from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, and the minister would ask that landlords demonstrate forebearance.

The minister is working with Government Departments, industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies to identify further actions that can be taken to protect tenants who may be impacted either through a requirement for self-isolation, a confirmed medical diagnosis or a reduction in working hours.