Can teachers afford to live in Dublin?

Astronomical rents

Sir, – Further to “The Irish Times view on staff shortages in schools: teaching standards now at risk” (November 24th), I have two suggestions for Minister for Education Norma Foley and the Government: bring in an urban housing grant to assist those who cannot afford the astronomical rents being demanded by landlords and abolish the “build to rent” incentives.

A fabulous new apartment block has just been completed opposite my school. Sadly, it is rental only. I couldn’t even afford to live in it myself: €1,950 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.

How could any young person, no matter what their profession, afford these scandalous prices? – Yours, etc,

DEE DELANY,

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Raheny,

Dublin 5.

Sir, – The London weighting pay allowance for certain essential occupations, including teachers and nurses, was introduced in 1920.

Why not introduce a Dublin weighting, a mere 102 years later? – Yours, etc,

MARY BYRNE,

Dublin 8.