Focus Ireland warns of housing crisis
Focus Ireland, the group that helps homeless people, is warning of a housing crisis because of a lack of affordable accommodation.
At the launch of its annual report, the group revealed that there has been a 250% increase in the numbers of homeless people over the last 12 years.
President of Focus Ireland, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, says the housing crisis is affecting all sectors.
“More and more first time buyers are either helped by their parents or by a member of the family and those who can't buy are remaining on in the private rental sector. The rents are going up.
She added: "Between 1998 and 2001, the rents in the private rental sector increased by 53%, which is huge."
