The number of private rental properties in Dublin has dropped by 40% since 2011, according to a report by Daft.ie.

The figures also revealed increases in rent last year which is making many families homeless.

Sinn Féin Councillor Noeleen Reilly said: "This has had a huge impact on rents over that period and many families are becoming homeless or are living on next to nothing just so they can meet rents.

-- Advertisement --

"While there seems to have been a levelling off of increases towards the end of 2014, this is a result of families simply not being able to afford rents which has increased in Dublin by 31% since 2010.

"Here in Ballymun not only do we have a ban on rent allowance in place but there is next to nothing for people to rent even if they are working."

(CD/JP)