RTB Forum Addresses Concerning Rental Inflation Trends in Galway
The RTB brought stakeholders from across the rental sector in Galway together to address rental law compliance in Galway today. The RTB convened the forum after it highlighted concerning trends in rental inflation in the county in RTB / ESRI Rent Index data released in May. The event was addressed by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD.
The forum was attended by stakeholders from across the rental sector. Attending organisations included Galway City Council, Galway County Council, University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University Students Union together with tenant groups, landlord and property professional organisations, public bodies and elected representatives.
Speaking on the forum, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said:
“Ensuring rental laws are complied with is vital to ensure fairness to both tenants and landlords. I commend the RTB for acting on the recent findings regarding rental inflation and tenancy registration in Galway and I am pleased to see the steps they are taking to strengthen their enforcement efforts.”
“Nationally, a properly functioning rental market is a key aspect of our housing policy. This is why the government recently approved stronger protections and greater certainty for renters, while creating new measures, as part of a suite of work being undertaken to boost supply of new homes and retaining existing landlords in the market.”
Speaking at the event, Rosemary Steen, Director of the RTB said:
“The RTB is committed to using data and market insights to drive compliance with rental law at scale. Recent studies released by the RTB, ESRI and CSO have pointed to concerning trends around rental inflation and tenancy registration in Galway.”
“This forum will enhance our existing work to enforce rental law in Galway. The stakeholders here today have provided valuable insights to focus our future compliance campaigns. We were also pleased to agree concrete measures to work together with attendees to identify and pursue non-compliant landlords this year.”
Attendees heard how RTB / ESRI Rent Index data to Q4 2024 showed rents for new tenancies in Galway had increased by 8% or more for 8 consecutive quarters.
The RTB also updated on ongoing compliance work in the county. 958 tenancies in Galway were included in a national Rent Pressure Zone compliance campaign launched in 2024. To date, 77 tenancies have been put forward for formal investigation and sanction through the campaign. Galway was also one of seven counties targeted by an RTB registration compliance campaign in February 2025. It was delivered in partnership with Galway County Council.