Other News In Brief

Man Released Following Firearm Incident

A man has been released without charge following a firearm incident in Ballyfermot last week.

At around 8.40pm on Thursday (27 February), a man, aged in his late 30s, was shot in the leg. The man was on his moped at the time, on Cleggan Road, towards Ballyfermot Road.

He was taken to St James's Hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries.

Gardaí arrested a 40-year-old man in Ballyfermot as part of a follow-up operation in relation to the shooting. He has since been released without charge.

Man Missing From Co Cavan

Gardaí have said they are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a man who has been missing from Cavan since the early hours of Saturday morning.

Donal Greene, 22, from Ballyconnell, was last seen at Derryhassean at around 5am on Saturday (28 February). He is described as 6'3", of slim build, and when last seen was wearing a white shirt and black trousers.

Anyone who has seen Mr Greene , or knows of his whereabouts, are asked to contact gardaí.

Action Needed To Tackle High Rent Crisis - Ellis

Dessie Ellis, Sinn Féin TD and Housing Spokesperson, has welcomed comments by the Minister for Environment that he is planning to introduce measures to regulate residential rents. However, he added that more details are needed, so that the issue of high rents can be dealt with "without delay".

Deputy Ellis said: "Whether you call it rent control, rent regulation or rent certainty we have been calling for measures to limit rent rises and bring fairness to rates for years now.

"The Minister and his government have consistently said that they would not introduce any such measures, even ridiculously claiming that to regulate the rental market would be unconstitutional.

"We know that was rubbish so why has it taken so long for the government to even admit some action on rents was needed?"

He continued: "What the Minister said at the weekend was positive and I welcome that but we need clarity. A temporary rent freeze and new limits on future increases would be very positive but how does he plan to do this.

"Speaking at the beginning of the year he floated the idea of new five-year leases which would provide for more stable rent levels for tenants. This would be helpful but we need rent regulation to help people in current difficulty and we need to ensure that this is binding for all landlords and tenants.

"The Minister has also proposed giving tax breaks to landlords to take up these leases. That's not the right way to go. The government does not need to further fund landlords in order for them to charge fair rents. We need mandatory regulations for all leases which set maximum rent limits based on the consumer price index, limit future increases and to promote longer leases as well."

"Real action is needed not tax breaks for landlords or more statements from the Minister. He must introduce rent regulation without delay," he concluded.

(JP)