The rate of child homelessness has risen by almost 50% in the past year in Ireland, according to new figures from the Department of Housing.

Sinn Fein said this is the "single biggest increase in child homelessness on record".

The party's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD said a "shocking" 488 children became homeless last month.

He said: "The number of homeless adults is 6052 up 24% on the same month last year and up 4% on January 2018. That's a monthly increase of 215.

"The number of homeless children is 3755 up 47% on the same month last year and up 15% on January 2018.

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"The February figures show that the number of homeless families is now 1,739 up 40% on the same month last year and up 15% on January 2018. An increase of 222 families.

"Contrary to the claims made by the government in January that the rate of homelessness was slowing down, the figures for January and February show that it is in fact accelerating at dramatic pace.

"Minister Murphy has been in office for just eight months and, during that time, the homeless crisis has continued to spiral out of control. His response just like that of his predecessor is simply not working."

Labour spokesperson on Housing, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, slammed the latest figures.

She said: "I am appalled at the latest figures which show more than 1,700 families and nearly 4,000 children in this state are now homeless.

"While other issues may have been dominating the headlines this week, the figures show that the homelessness crisis is actually getting worse.

"Action is needed immediately to deal with this unacceptable situation."

(CD/MH)