The Government has been called to declare an "emergency" over the homeless crisis in Ireland.
The Green Party made the call after homeless figures revealed a further significant rise.
Party Spokesperson on Local Government, Cllr Malcolm Noonan called on the Government to introduce emergency legislation to allow Local Authorities to compulsorily purchase land at affordable and reasonable prices - not values that are over by current market demands.
He said: "Minister Murphy could do much to assist the CEOs of Local Authorities whom he is meeting today by giving more broad ranging powers to Local Authorities to buy serviced land at affordable prices and immediately kick-start a massive social housing programme.
"This crisis has moved beyond tinkering with the market; strengthening compulsory purchase powers, moving towards innovative off site construction techniques and speeding up the procurement and tendering process for Local Authorities and voluntary housing bodies are tangible means by which the Minister could help us in Local Government to meet the demand in a sustainable manner and construct good quality affordable homes and not just units."
(CD/LM)
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