Decision on rent was Kafkaesque, claims graduate

A university graduate earning €200 weekly who says it is “near impossible” to get accommodation in Dublin below the €350 monthly limit for rent allowance payments has brought a legal challenge over a “Kafkaesque” decision refusing rent supplement towards his monthly rent of €450.

Liam Ward claims the refusal breaches ministerial guidelines aimed at helping tenants hold onto their accommodation at this time of high rents and when demand for rental properties in Dublin, especially for those on rent allowance, greatly exceeds the supply.

Mr Ward says that, without the supplement, he will be unable to pay his rent, faces eviction, and may be made homeless.