The Government has been accused of "doing nothing" to resolve the housing crisis in Co Louth after it was revealed there are currently over 5,600 unoccupied houses and flats in the area.

New figures showed the average waiting time for people on housing lists is seven to eight years, almost five times the international average.

Sinn Féin Leader, Gerry Adams, confirmed only 14 new builds are under construction in Louth by the Council.

Mr Adams said: "In 2015, there were only 149 social housing allocations by Louth County Council and this depressing situation has not significantly improved. Only 48 social housing allocations were made in the first quarter of this year. Currently the average waiting time for those on the housing waiting list is 7/8 years.

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"Another human consequence of the crisis in housing are the 74 households in Louth registered as homeless and the 68 households living in emergency accommodation. According to the figures from Louth County Council it only succeeded in allocating 17 households in emergency accommodation in the 12-month period from May 2015 to May 2016.

"Across the state there are almost a quarter of a million homes lying vacant.

"In addition, rents and house prices are spiralling out of control.

"It is not acceptable that the government sits back and does nothing to deal with the issue of vacant properties while so many families are in severe housing need. A Constitutional right to a home will oblige the State to make reasonable provision to vindicate such a right through its policies and decisions."

(CD)