Fine Gael is calling for unused upper floor commercial space in Dublin to be used for emergency accommodation for the homeless.

Senator for Dublin South-West, Cáit Keane, made the call after gigres released by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive revealed the number of people in emergency accommodation have not reduced.

She said: "I would like to see a full audit of unused commercial space in Dublin and I urge Dublin City Council to consider carry out such a review. Once we know the scale of the unused commercial space, we could consider if some of the buildings might be appropriate to convert to residential accommodation and turned around faster than waiting for new build to come on stream. Anything is better than the streets and I think that unused commercial space, while not a long term solution, could help reduce the rough sleeper numbers further.

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"In the meanwhile the Government must persist with its plan to reduce the numbers, as it is clearly working. 271 additional emergency beds were provided at the turn of the year and the establishment of the 'Nite Café' has been a useful contact point for homeless people who do not want to be placed in emergency accommodation, provide food, a rest area and showers. Dublin City Council is also re-examining its vacant properties currently scheduled for demolition with a view to refurbishing some of them on a temporary basis."

(CD/MH)