The number of families and individuals experiencing homelessness has increased by 50% compared to 2015, according to the Nova West Cork Homeless report.

Cork South West TD, Margaret Murphy O'Mahony described the figures as "shocking".

Deputy O'Mahony said: "The constant refrain in the media over the past three or four years has been of homelessness and housing problems in urban settings, mainly in Dublin. However, the threat of homelessness is as real in West Cork as it is in the cities.

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"Increasing rents, even in rural areas, is putting pressure on families. The lack of public housing, providing by the County Council, means that people at risk of homelessness have nowhere to turn.

"One in every two of the clients referred for homeless services was families. This is the highest it has been in this area since Novas started collecting data.

"Greater levels of public housing are required right across the State. New homes are needed in West Cork villages such as Skibbereen, Castletownbere and Bandon if we are to ensure that no family faces the risk of homelessness in the future.

"One of the most disconcerting findings from this report is the very high levels of people, over 60%, experiencing mental health issues or distress. This is something that needs to be addressed urgently addressed, and requires a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure that no one slips through the system experiencing distress."

(CD/MH)