Families living in homes rented out privately by a property firm on behalf on Fingal County Council are facing eviction.

Paula Barret Properties are currently renting out the homes on the Parnell estate.

Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Donnelly is calling on the Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar, to intervene.

He said: "I first raised the issue of a private company renting out unsalable affordable housing stock in Parnell at full market rates over a year ago. I was shocked that Fingal County Council had 161 properties left over from the crash and that the council was prevented from renting these out to social tenants or that those who could not afford the full market payments due to termination of employment could not avail of social protection.

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"It is shocking that we now have families at risk of losing their homes in the midst of a housing crisis because of bureaucracy. These 161 properties are state owned houses and apartments.

"I have contacted Minister Varadkar to ascertain how we can resolve this situation and to ensure that any of the 161 tenants can avail of social housing supports if required."

(CD/LM)