HUNDREDS of people in Kerry risk losing their home unless their rent allowance payments are increased, it has been claimed.

Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil has said that he will continue to fight for an increase in the rent allowance bands for Kerry. He noted that Kerry renters are "paying Galway prices but receiving Leitrim rent support" and pledged to raise the issue in the Dáil. “Hundreds of people in Kerry are at risk of losing their home in Kerry unless their rent allowance payments are increased to keep pace with rocketing rent levels in the county," said Deputy Brassil.

“Despite the measly increase earlier in the year, rent allowance recipients are under severe pressure to pay their rents.”

The Kerry TD added: "Of course, I accept that the best, and most sustainable way of slowing rental prices is through building more housing stock, but that takes time, and the Government have been painfully slow over the past five years in building social housing.”

When the rent allowance limits were increased earlier this year, they were increased by only€10 to €20, whereas places like Cavan or Roscommon saw rises in excess of €40 and €50, according to Deputy Brassil.

“While Kerry is similar to places like Cavan and Roscommon in terms of its peripheral location, renters in Kerry must compete with the strong tourist market which keeps rent levels higher than normal," he said.

“Average rents in Kerry are now at €618 which matches what people are paying in places like Galway. Our rent allowance payments need to match the reality of the situation on the ground.”

“In previous correspondence with the Government on this matter, I was told that Community Welfare Officers would have discretion in setting amended rent allowance rates. However, in practice, this isn’t taking place to the extent that is required to support renters in Kerry, especially ij the main urban areas.

“This week. I will try and raise the need for rent allowance increases in the Dáil, and have the Minister attend and explain to me why he thinks Kerry renters don’t need more support.”