The number of homeless people in Co Offaly has risen, according to new figures.

Fianna Fail has expressed "alarm" and said the housing crisis has spread "far beyond areas such as Dublin".

The figures were released by Offaly County Council.

TD for Offaly Barry Cowen said: "As of Friday 06 May there was a total of 17 adults and 11 children here in Offaly who are living in emergency homeless accommodation. These people are only a step away from living on the streets and need urgent support from Government.

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"Fianna Fáil has secured key commitments from the Government on housing as part of the confidence and supply agreement in the new Dáil. The Government has agreed to significantly increase and expedite the delivery of social housing units, remove barriers to private housing supply and initiate an affordable housing scheme. We've also forced the Government to increase the rent supplement and Housing Assistance payments to help keep families in their homes."

(CD)