More than 5,200 council properties lie empty across country

MORE than 5,200 council houses and flats are lying empty as Ireland’s homeless population continues to spiral, it emerged last night.

Chairman of the Dáil’s powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Bernard Allen demanded an inquiry into the scale of the situation as he estimated €1 billion worth of local authority property was unused while waiting lists lengthened.

The figures came as the Simon Community warned about growing numbers of the “hidden homeless” stuck in bed and breakfast and dormitory accommodation.