A new report has revealed only 118 social homes were built last year in Co Louth.

The Focus Ireland publication states 25 units of these units were delivered by the local authority, while 93 were built by approved housing bodies. Overall, there were 2,249 households designated as having a housing need.

Sinn Féin Louth TD, Gerry Adams, said at the current rate it would be almost 20 years before the last of those currently on the Louth list would be housed.

"Across the state, there are tens of thousands of households on waiting lists that stand immune to an inadequate government housing strategy," he said.

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"The cross party special Dáil Committee on Housing and Homelessness recommended that at least 10,000 units needed to be constructed by local authorities and approved housing bodies every year. This year. the government plans to fund just 5,869 real social houses. This is down almost 500 on last year. We also know that only 780 social homes were built by local authorities 2017. At this rate, there is little sign of hope for those on the waiting list in Louth."

Continuing, Mr Adams said the reality is that the Government’s housing strategy "is not working in Louth or across the state".

"The statistics are stark. Exactly two years ago, when Rebuilding Ireland was launched by the government, there were 6,525 people, including 2,348 children living in emergency accommodation," he said.

"In May 2018, there were 9,846, including 3,826 children living in emergency accommodation.

"The government needs to go back to the drawing board. It must prioritise funding for local authorities who have a key role to play in ending the housing crisis."

(LM)