The housing crisis is making it impossible for some people to find private rented accommodation in Cork, according to Sinn Féin.

The party said changes in the mortgage regulations have also made it difficult and is calling for the maximum income levels for applicants for social housing to be reviewed.

General Election candidate for Cork South Central Councillor Ó Laoghaire said: "Given the Government has done nothing by way of affordable Housing, we now have a substantial category of people who have an income too high for Social Housing, but will struggle enormously to get a mortgage in urban areas where properties are expensive.

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"Housing is a right, and if the private sector cannot provide, then the state should be in a position to help. We need to open up the option of Social Housing to people who cannot afford Housing. This also means that they will be entitled to rental supports such as HAP and Rent Supplement ; currently they do not receive any support."

(CD)