Traders in plea for Government help over rents

RETAILERS in the country’s most exclusive shopping area have pleaded for Government help to get out of leases they say are forcing them to pay exorbitant rents.

The Grafton Street Tenants Association (GSTA) says they are victims of “economic terrorism” and many retailers in the prime Dublin location could be put out of business within three years.

Legislation came into effect yesterday which bans landlords from inserting controversial “upward only rent review” clauses into their leases but the change only applies to new leases.