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Nineteen Galway secondary schools take part in underage drinking study

By
Briain Kelly
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galway daily news Nineteen Galway secondary schools taking part in underage drinking study

Pupils in nineteen secondary schools across Galway have been taking part in a nationwide study on underage drinking and alcohol education in schools.

To date, more than 13,000 students across Ireland have taken part in Drinkaware’s Junior Cycle Alcohol Education Programme.

The programme involves 8-10 lessons delivered on a weekly/fortnightly basis by the trained teacher.

To better understand the effectiveness of this programme in changing attitudes towards underage drinking, Drinkaware commissioned NUI Maynooth to carry out a study of its progress.

More than 350 students in Galway have participated in the evaluation of the programme, carried out over three years as students progress from 1st to 3rd year.

The study found that as students progressed through the JC AEP, the proportion who expressed no intention or interest in drinking, rose from 30% in 1st year to 54% in 3rd year.

Students’ knowledge of the impact of alcohol on overall health and wellbeing increased substantially and progressively from 22% pre-programme to 50% in 3rd year.

Furthermore, nearly half (46%) of participating students identified the negative impact of alcohol on physical and mental health as a reason why teenagers do not drink.

In Galway City the participating secondary schools are St Mary’s College, Our Lady’s College, Merlin College, and Coláiste na Coribre.

Outside the city the programme has come to Presentation College and McHale College in Tuam; Presentation College, Headford; Dunmore Community School; Glennamaddy Community School; Colaiste Naomh Féichin, Corr na Mona; Coláiste na Cregán, Mountbellew; St Cuan’s College, Castleblakeney; Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara, Carna; Coláiste Naomh Éinne, Inis Mór; Gaelscoil Coláiste na Eachréidh and Cláirin College in Athenry; Garbally College and Youthreach in Ballinasloe; and Clifden Community School.

Neasa Cosgrove, Principal at Presentation Secondary School, Tuam said that they have seen a “noticeable shift” in their students attitude towards alcohol, particularly the

“Pupils are impressionable at this age, and peer pressure is a reality,” Principal Cosgrove highlighted.

“Programmes like Drinkaware’s JC AEP play a huge role in helping teachers engage with young people to give them the information, and the personal and social skills they need to make better decisions long term.”

“Teachers are a major touchpoint in teenagers’ lives, but we are only one. It is important that alcohol education comes from all angles – from the home, from peers, and from the wider community.”

The biggest tipping point seen in the study came between 2nd and 3rd year in secondary school, where the number of students who said that they had never drank alcohol fell by 17%.

Among the cohort who reported drinking by that point, 38% said that they had already one or more negative effects of alcohol consumption, such as physical fights, arguments, accidents/injury, and/or feeling physically sick/vomiting.

Drinkaware is the national charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse in Ireland, governed by and independent board and regulated by the Charities Regulator.

Commenting on the report findings, Sheena Horgan, Drinkaware CEO said: “15 years of age is the average age of the first drink in Ireland. But average doesn’t tell the full story.

“This study shows how attitudes, and behaviours shift markedly across 13 to 15 year olds, meaning alcohol education before this age is vital.”

Galway Simon warns homelessness crisis shows no sign of let up

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news 248 homeless adults in Galway last month

Galway Simon Community has said that it seen no let up in the number of people accessing their services during the pandemic, despite a decrease in the number of families in Emergency Accommodation in the West.

The charity expressed concerns that the number of people experiencing homelessness may rise steeply again when the moratorium on evictions is lifted as Covid-19 restrictions are eased.

According to the latest government figures, 377 people including 42 families with 108 children were recorded as living in Emergency Accommodation in the West during January.

This was an increase of 43 people compared to December 2020 and represented the first monthly increase since March 2020.

There were 245 single adults in Emergency Accommodation in January, up from 236 a year earlier.

Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community said that in 2020, Galway Simon Community supported 646 households comprising 1,207 men, women and children.

“We saw no decrease in the number of people needing our Services during the pandemic,” said Karen.

“The homelessness crisis remains a very significant issue within our community and we are very concerned that when the restrictions are lifted, we may see a steep rise in the number of people facing homelessness.”

The charity also sourcing affordable accommodation has become ‘increasingly difficult’ over recent years.

“The current supply of housing and the rate of new housing coming on stream in Galway is inadequate relative to demand across social, affordable and private housing.

“The consequence of this has been an increasing overreliance on the Private Rental Sector which as we know is unaffordable and out of reach for many. There is a particular shortage of one bed properties for single people,” Karen said.

Locked Out of the Market, a Simon Communities of Ireland report released last month, looked at available properties within HAP limits to rent in 16 areas throughout Ireland in December 2020, including Galway City Centre and the wider Galway City area.

For the fifth study in a row, there were no properties that fell within the HAP limits in Galway City Centre, and just three properties were available to rent within the HAP limits in the wider Galway City area.

The snapshot study found rent for one-bed properties in Galway City Centre ranged from €800 to €2,950 and in the wider Galway City area ranged from €650 to €1,400. The majority of asking rents were well above the HAP limits for the respective categories.

“It’s clear that we still have an affordability crisis across the housing sector and the latest Locked Out report has highlighted this once again. The lack of affordable accommodation is a key factor in people finding themselves homeless.

“In addition to the housing crisis, there are over 25,000 people receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Galway and we have yet to see the full economic impact of Covid across the City and County,” Karen added.

“Government commitment to and investment in social and affordable housing across all accommodation types both locally and nationwide is critical.

“While we await the delivery of new homes, it’s vitally important that we continue to ensure that Prevention Services are supported so that we can prevent as many people as possible from sliding into Emergency Accommodation.

“We must remember that behind every one of these statistics is a person experiencing the trauma and distress of homelessness,” Karen said.

Galway mum shares powerful story in TG4 documentary this evening

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news tg4 documentary march 2021 postnatal depression

A Galway mother who suffered from severe postnatal depression has shared her story in a powerful documentary which will be aired this evening at 8pm on TG4.

Nicola Fallon from Kinvara experienced symptoms of postnatal depression after the birth of her son Louis – but the symptoms were not recognised and her mental health deteriorated.

This resulted in Nicola being hospitalised for six months in specialist psychiatric hospitals in both Galway and Dublin. 

She was unable to see her baby for three of the six months, having been considered a danger to herself and her baby.

In the documentary tonight, Nicola tells her story to help other new mums recognise the early onset symptoms of Postnatal depression.

The documentary will be shown on TG4 tonight at 8.00pm.

COVID-19: Just five patients hospitalised in Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news

There are just five people being treated for COVID-19 at hospital in Galway in the latest figures from the HSE.

There were five confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway as of 8pm Wednesday evening, and none at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

However, UHG also reported four suspected cases, for which test results were being awaited.

Of the cases remaining at University Hospital Galway, the bulk of them are in a serious condition, with four patients in the ICU.

Nationwide there were 345 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Ireland as of yesterday evening, of whom 92 were in the ICU.

Another 31 people were admitted to hospital with COVID in the 24 hours prior, but none of them in Galway according to the HSE.

A further 19 new cases were reported in Galway yesterday, out of 631 nationwide.

COVID-19: 47 deaths reported today, and 19 Galway cases

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

There have been 47 additional deaths related to COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, along with 631 new cases.

Of today’s cases, 19 are in Galway. The 14-day incidence rate here has now fallen to 134.9 per 100,000 people.

The deaths notified today occurred among people aged from 60 to 95 years old. The average age of those who died was 83.

Of these deaths 14 occurred in March, 18 were in February, and 15 occurred in January.

There have now been a total of of 224,588 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, and the disease has claimed 4,499 lives in the country.

As of 8am today there were 370 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Ireland, of whom 92 are in the ICU. Another 31 people have been hospitalised in the past 24 hours.

Of the cases notified today:

  • 317 are men and 308 are women
  • 74% are under 45 years of age
  • the median age is 29 years old
  • 247 in Dublin, 50 in Kildare, 44 in Meath, 41 in Cork, 32 in Limerick and the remaining 217 cases are spread across 20 other counties

As of last Sunday there have been 525,768 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland, with 150,247 people receiving both doses.

The COVID-19 data hub provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of the disease in the community.

 

Galway among destinations for €108,000 of cannabis seized at mail centre

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway among destinations for €108,000 of cannabis seized at mail centre

Over €100k worth of cannabis has seized by the Revenue at a mail centre, bound for multiple locations including in Galway.

Yesterday a detector dog Bailey helped uncover over 5.3kgs of herbal cannabis, almost 270grams of cannabis oil and butane honey oil and 450grams of edibles at a mail centre in Dublin.

The combined value of the drugs seized was €108,000 according to the Revenue Commissioners.

They were found concealed in 21 packages originating in the USA, the United Kingdom and Spain.

These had been marked as items such as as ‘pillows’, ‘sports shoes’, ‘custom stationary’ and ‘wine tubs’.

The packages were meant to be delivered to destinations in Galway, Dublin, Laois, Kerry and Sligo.

Two day roadworks to disrupt traffic in Tuam town

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Traffic disruptions are expected in Tuam town over the next two days due to roadworks taking place.

Galway County Council is carrying out roadworks on the R347 Athenry / R332 Dublin Road junction.

The works will get underway this Thursday, and are expected to take two days to complete.

In order to facilitate these works, a stop and go system will be in place to manage traffic from 8am to 6pm.

Water outages expected in Oughterard over the next three days

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news overnight water outages

People living in Oughterard may experience water outages or other disruptions over the next three days.

Irish Water is carrying out mains flushing works in Oughterard this week, which may effect the water supply.

The works are currently expected to be completed by 5pm on Friday, March 12.

People affected by these outages are advised that it may take 2 – 3 hours after these repairs are completed before their full supply is restored.

Updates on this situation can be found on Irish Water’s Supply and Service website page.

COVID-19: Galway’s incidence rate more than cut in half over two weeks

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news COVID-19 cases more than double at UHG

The 14-day COVID-19 incidence rate in county Galway has been more than cut in half in the past to weeks.

As of Tuesday’s statement from NPHET, the incidence rate in Galway was 142.2 cases per 100,000 people, down from 330.5 on February 23.

Galway’s incidence rate was at that time the fourth highest in the country, behind Offaly, Monaghan, and Dublin, but it has now dropped down to the twelfth highest.

The five day average of new cases each day has also dropped dramatically in Galway, from 52 down to 16 daily COVID-19 cases.

There were 12 new cases reported in Galway yesterday, out of 311 nationwide.

Galway TD calls for impounding of vehicles used in illegal dumping

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway TD calls for impounding of vehicles used in illegal dumping

Galway TD Denis Naughten has called for laws to be strengthened  to allow vehicles used in illegal dumping to be impounded.

Speaking in the Dáil, Denis Naughten said illegal dumping has become an even greater problem during lockdown, at a time when people are heavily reliant on public spaces to get out of the house.

“We are all relying on public areas, walks and trails during the lockdown, yet thoughtless people are littering with everything from dog-fouling to cigarette butts and coffee cups.

“Then we have downright criminal behaviour where individuals are dumping everything from bags to van loads of rubbish in these scenic locations.”

The Independent TD said that some local authorities have reported up to a 30% increase in illegal dumping since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I fully accept there is no single solution to this particular problem, and it requires improved facilities, particularly for bulky goods.”

“If, for example, a couch or a mattress is dumped at a location, it attracts other illegal dumping and soon becomes a rat-infested open landfill site.”

“We must also improve enforcement of the laws because unless we hit those who carry out this illegal activity where it hurts – in their pockets – we will never effectively address this growing problem.”

“We must secure convictions and make clear examples of those involved in this crime, which is both environmental and economic and has social impacts on the communities concerned.”

Using CCTV footage as a method to prevent illegal dumping, and convict offenders, has been a hot button topic for some time now.

In Galway’s council’s it has been repeatedly highlighted that privacy and GDPR issues prevent the use of footage from security cameras in the prosecution of illegal dumpers.

Last week the Local Government (Use of CCTV in Prosecution of Offences) Bill was introduced at the Seanad, with the express goal of allowing councils to use their own cctv footage in the prosecution of offences.

Minister of State Peter Burke said that the government does not oppose this Bill, but that the government is considering parallel measures.

Senator Pauline O’Reilly, formerly of Galway City Council, said in the Seanad that on top of being a local amenity and appearance problem, illegal dumping is also an environmental issue.

“People are driving in and dumping fridges and all kinds of things or even throwing waste food outside people’s houses, but it also impacts on the animals and wildlife in those areas.”

“This situation does not allow us to achieve what we need to achieve to retain our natural environment and make sure the animals that are in our care, on either public or private land, are well cared for.”

M17 and Tuam Bypass lane closures scheduled for surveying works

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news M17 and Tuam Bypass lane closures scheduled for surveying works

Lane closures are expected on the M17 Kilmore motorway and N17 Tuam Bypass later this week due to works taking place.

Galway County Council is carrying out surveying works on the motorway and national road this Friday, March 12.

In order to facilitate this there will be lane closures on the roads from approximately 8am to 4pm that day.

The county council has said that it is expected that these will have minimal impact on journey times.

However, motorists are being advised to drive with caution in these areas during the works.

COVID-19: 30 deaths nationally and 12 Galway cases

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

There have been 30 additional deaths related to COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, along with 311 new cases.

There are just 12 new cases in Galway today, brining the 14-day incidence rate down to 142.2 per 100,000 people. Galway has reported 367 cases in the past two weeks.

Of the deaths notified today, 12 occurred in March, 13 in last month, 4 happened in January, and one remains under investigation.

There have now been a total of 4,452 deaths related to COVID-19 in Ireland, and 223,957 confirmed cases in the state.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of five previously confirmed cases.

As of 8am this morning there were 397 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Ireland, of whom 95 are in the ICU.

Of the cases notified today:

  • 159 are men and 149 are women
  • 64% are under 45 years of age
  • the median age is 34 years old
  • 135 in Dublin, 29 in Kildare, 21 in Cork, 18 in Limerick, 14 in Louth and the remaining 94 cases are spread across 16 other counties

The COVID-19 data hub provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community

Pandemic unemployment numbers drop below 25,000 in Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

The number of people on pandemic unemployment in Galway has declined slightly again this week, but remains the third highest level in the country.

There are 24,934 people in Galway receiving pandemic unemployment this week, down from 25,082 the week prior.

The only counties with a greater number of people on the PUP are Dublin (146,547), and Cork (47,011).

There were 432 people in Galway who closed their PUP account with the Department of Social Protection in the past week as they were returning to work.

The Department is today making €139.06 million in payments to 464,860 people in the country, down 3,987 compared to last week.

These figures are in addition to the 186,702 people who were on the Live Register at the end of February.

The sector with the highest number of people receiving PUP this week is Accommodation and Food Service activities (109,754), followed by Wholesale and Retail Trade (74,153) and Construction (58,864).

However, the construction sector has seen the greatest decrease in the number of people on pandemic unemployment this week, with 1,003 returning to work.

Speaking today on the latest PUP figures, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said “This week again we see a small but steady number of people closing their claim for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.”

“I want to commend the huge efforts being made by people, young and old, which are paying dividends in helping to suppress the Covid-19 virus.”

“This virus has remained with us far longer than any of us anticipated. I know people are feeling weary and anxious and just want life to get back to normal.”

“But our efforts are making a difference. We are seeing positive signs in terms of hospital numbers and ICU numbers, which are reducing all the time.”

“We cannot let our guard down at this time. Employees need to work from home where possible. All of us need to continue to follow the health guidelines and remind ourselves that we are making these sacrifices on behalf of our families, our friends, our communities and our frontline workers.”

Gardaí issue fresh warning of COVID-19 vaccine scams

By
Briain Kelly
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galway daily news Vaccine booster clinic continuing today for people in their 50s

An Garda Síochána, the HSE, and the Department of Health have issued a fresh warning for people to be aware of COVID-19 vaccine scams.

An Garda Síochána is aware of members of the public having received fraudulent text messages and calls regarding Covid vaccinations.

A number of people have recently received phone calls or text messages in which they are offered vaccinations.

However, the callers are then providing fraudulent vaccination dates and looking to extract sensitive personal details. The details requested include, the person’s name, PPS number, date of birth and address.

Text messages have also made requests for people to confirm private information such as PPS number, date of birth and address.

Gardaí are reminding the public that the HSE will never text seeking such information.

An Garda Síochána have issued the following tips to protect yourself against scams:

  • The HSE will never text or call individuals to request payment for a Covid test or Vaccine
  • Your local GP will be the first point of contact about vaccination
  • The Covid-19 vaccine is free and it is not available privately
  • Never disclose private information over phone or via text message
  • Do not give out your PPS Number to anyone who makes unsolicited contact with you whether by phone or email
  • The HSE will never text you and ask for your PPS number
  • The HSE will never text you to request your home address
  • Never give away personal data or disclose who you may live with or if you live alone
  • If you receive such a call, just hang up
  • Anyone who mistakenly provides personal information in response to this scam should contact report the matter to their local Garda Station

COVID-19: Zero confirmed cases at Portiuncula Hospital

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is completely free of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the latest figures released by the HSE.

As of 8pm on Monday there were zero confirmed COVID patients recorded at the Ballinasloe Hospital.

However there two suspected cases at Portiuncula, and three at UHG, for which test results were being awaited.

There remain another nine confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway, of whom four were in the intensive care unit.

Nationwide there were 392 people hospitalised with COVID-19 as of Monday night, with 101 of those in the ICU.

A further 20 new cases were reported in Galway yesterday, out of 437 nationwide, but fortunately there were no new deaths associated with the disease reported.

Nine Galway charities receive donations from Aldi grants programme

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style Nine Galway charities receive donations from Aldi grants programme
Photo credit:-Mike Shaughnessy

Nine Galway charities have received a total of €4,500 in donations from Aldi as a part of the supermarket’s Community Grants programme.

Each Galway based charity received a €500 grant after being chosen by staff members at an Aldi store in Galway.

The latest donations was made to Galway Mountain Rescue, with the cheque handed over by Gary Monaghan, an employee at Aldi Knocknacarra.

East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support, MADRA Dog Rescue, Jigsaw Galway, Down Syndrome Galway, Gort Cancer Support, Galway Mountain Rescue, Galway CF Hospital Project, and Ability West’s Portumna Adult Day Service.

John Curtin, Group Buying Director, said “We are very proud to have been able to contribute to supporting local charities across the country through the Aldi Community Grants programme and we’re pleased to see the impact of our donation in the local communities for Galway.”

“The Community Grants programme is one example of how Aldi is committed to investing and partnering with local communities and charities across Ireland and we look forward to continuing this engagement into 2021.”

To date, the community grants programme has made donations totalling €375,000 to 750 organisations in Ireland.

COVID-19: No deaths today, but 20 new Galway cases

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

There have been no further deaths related to COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, but 437 new cases have been notified.

Of the cases reported today, 20 are in Galway, the fourth highest level in the country behind Dublin (184), Limerick (31), and Donegal (26).

Galway’s 14-day incidence rate has now fallen to 152.7 per 100,000 people. There have been 394 cases reported here in the past fortnight.

As of 8am today, 418 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised in Ireland, of whom 103 are in ICU. Another 20 people have been hospitalised with the disease in the past 24 hours.

There have now been a total of 223,651 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, and 4,422 deaths associated with the disease.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 5 confirmed cases.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer said that research shows that people are still showing a high level of compliance with public health measures, such as washing hands regularly (93%), using hand sanitiser (95%), social distancing while in a queue (93%).

Almost half of people, 48%, now feel that the worst of the pandemic is behind us, Dr Glynn added.

“This hope is justified in the context of the continued improvement in the key indicators of the disease and with the ongoing rollout of the vaccination programme over the coming weeks.”

“However, it is vital that this hope does not give way to complacency; across Europe countries are seeing a deteriorating picture and our own disease incidence remains high”.

“We must do all we can to continue to suppress this virus and to ensure that as many people as possible get to benefit from vaccination over the coming months. Keep your guard up and hold firm.”

Dr. Cliona Murphy, Chair of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said that it recommended that everyone of reproductive age should take the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available.

“We are aware of misinformation about risks associated with taking COVID-19 vaccines and an impact on fertility. There is no evidence that taking any of the COVID-19 vaccines affects a woman’s future ability to conceive, or to continue a pregnancy.”

The COVID-19 dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.

 

Sunny spell ends as weather warning issued for Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily weather Rough weekend forecast as weather warning issued by Met Eireann

The early summer we enjoyed last week has come to its inevitable end with a return to Galway rain today, and a fresh weather warning issued by Met Eireann.

A status yellow weather warning for heavy winds has been issued for counties Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry, Cork, Waterford, Wexford later this week.

On Wednesday afternoon, and into the night, winds will reach average speeds of 50-65km/hr, with gusts as strong as 110km/hr, possibly stronger in exposed areas.

The weather warning will be in effect from midday on Wednesday, and last through the night until 6am on Thursday morning.

Galway is also forecast to receive light but persistent rain throughout the day on Wednesday, with temperatures averaging 8 degrees celcius.

There has been patchy rain and showers in Galway, which are forecast to mostly clear up tonight according to Met Eireann.

Lowest temperatures tonight of 6 to 7 degrees, with a light southwesterly wind. Tuesday will start clear, but more rain will develop in the late afternoon and into the night.

Caitríona’s dirty laundry gets a public airing in Ros na Rún

By
Briain Kelly
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Caitríona is hit from different directions as her troubles with Vince are the talk of Ros na Rún, while the Gardaí aren’t letting go of the missing money. Padraig has his own share of anxiety over Dan’s absence, and an engagement ring puts a scowl on Tadhg’s face.

Caitríona decides to keep a dignified silence about her trouble with Vince but she’s forced to air their dirty laundry in public when she finds out people are already talking about them.

As if relationship problems weren’t enough, Superintendent O’Shea turns up asking her more questions about the Community Centre’s missing (now returned) money.

Still, she’s not completely alone, as Colm is quick to tip Caitríona off about O’Shea because he too has his own reasons for wanting this investigation to go away.

Dan has gone to Glasgow to break it off with his boyfriend but why doesn’t he return Pádraig’s calls or answers any texts.

Peatsaí has returned with, which puts a smile on Tadhg’s face. However, that smile turns to a growl when he realises Sally is also in tow, complete with an engagement ring!

Catch all the latest in Ros na Rún this Tuesday, March 9 on TG4 at 8:30pm.

Threshold got almost 200 calls from Galway in 2020 about landlords withholding deposits

By
Briain Kelly
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galway daily news average rent in galway rooms for rent in galway city price

Almost 200 people in Galway called the housing charity Threshold about being unable to get their rental deposits back last year.

Galway City and County accounted for 14 percent of all queries about deposit retention made to Threshold in 2020, with a total of 196 queries made from here.

Western Regional Services Manager at Threshold, Karina Timothy said “The unlawful retention of deposits – often equivalent to two months’ rent – can make the difference between someone being able to secure a new tenancy, or becoming homeless.”

She added that they estimate private landlords in Ireland are holding at least €250,000,000 in deposits, most of which are from people of modest or middle incomes.

Threshold has called on the government to deliver on a long standing promise to establish a rental deposit scheme to protect renters from this problem.

Such a scheme was first outlined in the 2011 Programme for Government. Relevant legislation was passed in 2015 by the then Minister for Housing to enable the Residential Tenancies Board to launch the scheme; however, the scheme was never enacted.

The charity has suggested that under such a deposit protection scheme, deposits could be held by a body such as the Residential Tenancies Board, rather than by the landlord.

The appeal for this scheme to be enacted comes as the charity states that queries from tenants in relation to deposit retention increased by 43% between 2019 and 2020.

Threshold’s data shows that single-person households are disproportionately impacted by deposit retention issues.

Last year single person households accounted for 53% of of contacts made with the charity, but made up 63% of all deposit retention queries.

CEO of Threshold John-Mark McCafferty said: “During the first week of March in 2011, the then incoming government committed to introducing a deposit protection scheme as a matter of priority, yet ten years on it still hasn’t happened.”

“In 2020 Threshold saw a 43% increase in the number of queries from tenants relating to deposit retention nationally. Many of these come from tenants whose deposits have been unjustly retained.”

“Allowing an independent third party such as the RTB to hold deposits would ensure that many of these disputes are resolved easily.”

“Ultimately a system must be put in place to better protect private rental deposits. We are calling on the Minister for Housing to honour the promise made ten years ago in the 2011 Programme for Government.”

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