Sinn Fein has hit out at NAMA after it was revealed the firm is currently holding over 80 vacant residential properties despite the homelessness crisis in Ireland.

TD for Wicklow/East Carlow John Brady described the situation as "outrageous" and "absolutely unacceptable".

Commenting on figures released through a Parliamentary Question to Minister for Finance Michael Noonan, Teachta Brady said: "NAMA have advised that of the 173 residential properties they hold, 82 of these properties have been vacant for more than fifteen months.

-- Advertisement --

"54 properties have been vacant for a period between 6 and 15 months and 37 have been vacant for less than 6 months.

"While the Minister states that these 173 residential properties are 'temporarily' vacant, this is questionable when the majority of these properties have been vacant for over one year.

"This is absolutely unacceptable especially, when we are in the middle of the greatest housing crisis since the foundation of the State."

(CD)