Hundreds rally in Dublin demanding Government action on housing

HUNDREDS of people marched through the streets of Dublin on Tuesday night to demand immediate action from the Fine Gael and Labour Government to tackle the housing and homelessness crisis.

The rally, organised by the Right2Change movement and homeless charities, coincided with the first anniversary of the death of homeless man Jonathan Corrie, who died in a doorway just a few metres from Leinster House.

Almost 5,000 people are currently in emergency accommodation in Dublin and it is believed upwards of 130 are sleeping rough in the city every night.

Taking part in the protest were homeless charities, trade unions and political parties including Sinn Féin and People Before Profit.

Earlier in the Dáil, Taoiseach Enda Kenny was challenged by Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams over his Government's failure to address the homeless crisis, which he called “a disgrace”.

The Louth TD said the issue was spiraling out of control and it was time the Government declared a national housing emergency:

“There is an urgent need for the Government to commit to liaising with the European Commission to have the housing crisis declared a ‘national emergency’ so that the Government may speed up the procurement process for the construction of social housing and fund the construction of social housing outside of existing EU fiscal constraints,” he said.

• Sinn Féin Councillor Denise Mitchell at a candlelit vigil in memory of Jonathan Corrie