A Castlebar native has spent the last 24 hours on the footpaths outside of Aras an Chontae in Castlebar in protest over the homelessness crisis in Ireland.

Currently in Ireland almost 12 thousand people describe themselves as homeless and are either sleeping on our countries streets or availing of some form of emergency accommodation.

Eddie Staunton is one of those 12 thousand who has no home. He believes that Galway City ad Mayo County councils are letting him down.

Earlier today, Midwest Radio News Editor Teresa O'Malley spoke to Mr Staunton about his situation and why he has decided to sleep outside Aras an Chontae...

Now Midwest Radio contacted Mayo County Council for a statement and they have issued the following

While Mayo County Council does not comment on individual cases, we do have a process in place when people present to this Local Authority as Homeless.

Council staff fully understand and appreciate the difficulties that people are facing when they are no longer in permanent housing. The challenges we face to resolve homelessness are complex and Mayo County Council is working hard to bring solutions which will ensure people can be provided safe,  secure and sustainable accommodation.