Inside Dublin’s Rent Rise Decision, with Cllr Gavin Pepper. Episode 570

Niall sits down with Councillor Gavin Pepper to unpack one of the week’s most heated local issues: Dublin City Council’s decision to increase rent for social housing and HAP tenants, along with a planned rise in property tax in 2026.

In this episode, Niall explores why the Council voted for the increase, what it means for tenants, and whether the move is truly about fairness—or simply another financial burden on already stretched households. Councillor Pepper offers insight into the vote, the reasoning behind it, and what councillors considered when weighing the decision.

Niall also breaks down the background to the story:

The Council’s Position: Rising costs of maintaining social housing, ageing public infrastructure, and the need for additional revenue to keep the housing system functional and equitable.

The Pros: More funding for essential repairs, upgrades, and long-term housing sustainability; a system that the Council argues will be “fairer” in the long run.

The Cons: Tenants facing higher rents during a cost-of-living crisis; concerns that low-income families will feel the strain; and criticism from councillors and community groups who say the increase hits the wrong people at the wrong time.

Is the rent rise a necessary step toward stabilising public housing—or a misjudged move that leaves vulnerable residents footing the bill?

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