Minister for Housing Simon Coveney has once again been slammed for failing to urgently tackle the housing crisis throughout Ireland.

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD described the additional additional €26million that has been allocated as "paltry".

Deputy Ó Broin said: "There are over 198,000 vacant properties across the state. This is more than enough homes to take people out of emergency accommodation and off waiting lists. Targeting only 800 vacant properties and providing only €26m in additional funding demonstrates how this Fine Gael led government has not got its spending priorities right.

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"Having an ambitious plan in place that can facilitate the quick turnaround of the maximum amount of vacant properties is an obvious solution to the housing supply crisis in this state. The Minister says funding is not an issue. Therefore, he must demonstrate a clear sense of urgency regarding the statewide roll out of this scheme and adjust his target beyond an inadequate 800 homes."

(CD/MH)