The record numbers of homelessness reported by the Department of Housing are just scratching the surface, according to charities in the sector, who have warned that the reality is far worse.

Cork County Council has lodged a number of applications with an Bord Pleanála and the Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government for a €10m project which it hopes will turn the country's most south-westerly island into a major tourist attraction.

There has been a very slight drop in the number of people who are registered as homeless.