New research shows 79% of Dubliners believe that key workers should receive rent subsidies
A new nationwide survey has revealed strong support for rent subsidies for Dublin’s key workers, such as teachers, gardaí, and nurses. Conducted in December by RED C Research & Marketing and polling a nationally representative sample of 1,209 people (of which 508 were living in Dublin), the research highlights widespread concern about the impact of Dublin’s escalating housing crisis on the availability of essential workers.
Among the findings, 79% of Dubliners agree that key workers in the city should receive rent subsidies, similar to those provided in other high-cost cities such as London. This includes 47% who strongly support the proposal, and 32% who somewhat agree, with just 8% opposing it and 13% expressing no opinion. Public backing is also robust outside the capital, with 71% of respondents across the rest of Ireland supporting rent subsidies for Dublin’s key workers.
The results underscore the public’s awareness of the unique challenges faced by key workers. A striking 89% of Dubliners believe that high rental costs are the biggest barrier to attracting and retaining key workers in the city. Meanwhile, 86% are concerned about the social and economic consequences of key worker shortages, with 46% describing themselves as “very concerned,” 40% as “somewhat concerned,” 10% as neutral, and just 4% as unconcerned.
The survey was commissioned by prominent Dublin-based businessman Paschal Taggart.
Commenting on the findings, Taggart acknowledged the recent government announcement to reserve cost-rental housing for teachers as a step in the right direction but emphasised the urgent need for further action.
He said: “The government’s commitment to earmark cost-rental accommodation for key workers, starting with teachers, is a welcome sign. However, this is just the first step. Dublin’s high rents are placing an unsustainable burden on our city’s key workers, threatening not only their ability to live and work in the capital but also the stability of essential services. Public support for solutions like rent allowances and affordable housing is very strong, both in Dublin and across the country.
“This escalating crisis, if left unchecked, will undermine the Irish economy in the not-too-distant future. The new government must act on this issue as a priority. Fine Gael included cost-rental housing for frontline workers in their recent General Election manifesto – I now urge them to follow through and expand this policy to include all key workers, not just teachers.
“We have already seen the damage caused by rising discontent, including the Dublin riots at the end of 2023. Tourism and inward investment are already showing signs of decline. If key workers continue to leave their professions or emigrate, the economy will suffer substantially in the years to come.”
The survey also revealed widespread agreement that housing affordability for key workers in Dublin should be a government priority. 78% of Dubliners believe the government should prioritise making housing more affordable for key workers in the capital, with 44% strongly agreeing.