Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have been accused of "burying their heads in the sand" over the housing crisis in Co Carlow.

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada is calling for finance from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to be used to develop houses in the area.

She said: "The European Investment Bank has already made finance available to the Irish Government for social housing. Last year a package of €300 million was announced, with part-financing from the EIB Unfortunately this has yet to be fully drawn down and put to use.

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"Meanwhile 2,000 children are living in emergency accommodation this month, and local authority housing lists continue to grow. The only real solution to this crisis is to build houses. The EIB is providing the financial backing to do it, all that's needed now is the political will."

(CD/JP)