Sir, - Recently newspaper articles have mentioned increases of 20 per cent and more in student and other rented accommodation costs. They have also mentioned the actual shortage of such accommodation, if one could afford it. Perhaps now the Government will realise the damage the Bacon report has caused.
First-time buyers (whom the report was intended to assist) should not benefit to the disadvantage of those renting. The report's decision to make property investment less viable financially has resulted in higher rents as landlords opt out or try to recoup lost earnings. I can't afford to buy. Now it looks as if I won't be able to rent either. - Yours, etc., Barry Hazel,
Drumcondra, Dublin 9.