There has been a 35% rise in family homelessness in Dublin, according to new figures.

According to the Dublin Homeless Executive, the number of homeless families has increased to 1026 in October with 2110 children.

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin described the figures as "shocking" and accused the Government of not responding to the homelessness crisis with "sufficient urgency".

Deputy Ó Broin said: "Minister Coveney needs to immediately provide emergency funding to the four Dublin Councils to buy the houses that families in emergency accommodation need. With further delays to the Rapid Build Programme the only solution is to purchase the homes.

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"The Minister also needs to take action to stop the monthly rise in homeless presenters. Today I introduced the Secure Rents and Tenancies Bill which would provide tenants with greater protections resulting is less evictions and less homelessness.

"Unfortunately, to date Minister Coveney has set his face against such reforms."

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson Deputy Lahart, said: "I am deeply concerned to learn by further increases in the number of people being forced into homelessness. This Government have been aware of the acute homeless situation for some time, yet few tangible measures have been introduced to effectively alleviate the problem.

"People's standard of living is being continually eroded due to excessive rent inflation which is putting enormous pressure on family incomes and is the primary source of the homeless crisis.

"This is not sustainable and there is an urgent need to introduce Rent Certainty Regulation measures to limit rent inflation in the short to medium term until the supply of housing increases."

(CD/MH)