Over 800 residents in Dublin have promised to help turn empty buildings into safe homes to aid homeless people.

A total of 834 have pledged to help Dublin City Council (DCC) turn vacant buildings into safe homes.

Housing campaigner, Erica Fleming, who is also homeless, presented a petition to the council on behalf of Uplift, an independent community of people taking coordinated action for progressive change in Ireland.

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Councillor Daithí Doolan, chair of the housing committee, said: "This practical offer includes, cleaning, tiling, painting, woodwork, electrical work and gardening.

"This is a very practical sign of solidarity from the good citizens of Dublin.

"Dublin faces an unprecedented housing crisis. Numbers forced into emergency accommodation are increasing on a daily basis.

"I want to applaud Uplift for taking the initiative. I fully understand that there may be technical difficulties, I will give this my full attention and I hope to turn this solidarity into action and to turn empties houses into homes."

(CD/LM)