Sinn Fein has hit out at the government for failing to address the homeless crisis throughout Ireland after two people living on the streets died.

Louth TD Imelda Munster said she was "shock and saddened" to hear of the deaths and called on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy to ensure there are sufficient beds for people who are homeless.

She said: "It is dreadfully sad news for the family and friends of both men, and those who knew them. Our thoughts are with them at this time.

"The homelessness crisis across the State is continuing to escalate, and the sad fact is that for as long as the government fails to deal with the homelessness and housing crisis, tragic events like this are inevitable.

"There are 4,132 households on the housing list in Co Louth, many of whom are waiting up to ten years to be housed. There are approximately 38 people accessing Simon services in Dundalk and Homeless Aid services in Drogheda. There are an estimated 15 people sleeping rough in Drogheda.

-- Advertisement --

"There are currently over 53 acres of council-owned land banks in Louth, including in Drogheda, that are lying barren of any housing purely because the government will not fund the roll out of a proper social housing building programme.

"Nobody should have to sleep rough. Everyone should have a home. Those who find themselves in circumstances where they are sleeping outside are vulnerable to illness, malnutrition, violence, drugs and alcohol.

"The nights are getting noticeably colder in the past few days and the real winter hasn't even set in yet.

"What is the Minister for Housing doing to ensure that nobody else dies on our streets? These deaths are preventable, but it seems that the political will is not there."

Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin said: "It is now clear that Minister Murphy has lost control of the homeless crisis. How many more people have to die before Government does what is needed to tackle this crisis?

"Minister Murphy must now make a public statement to outline what he plans to do to ensure that no more people die on our streets.

"He needs to ensure that there is an adequate supply of safe and secure emergency accommodation in those areas where it is needed. It is important that Government does not lose sight of single homeless people while responding to the family homeless crisis."

(CD/MH)