The number on Dublin City Council's housing list has increased by 954 applicants since January 2016.

That is according to chair of the council's housing committee Councillor Daithí Doolan.

The latest housing report shows the total number of applicants on the housing list is now 29,756.

The list is made up of 15,461 single people and 14,095 families. Some 4,212 people have been on the list for over 10 years.

Councillor Doolan says something needs to be done.

"Today's findings are damning. They demand immediate action.

"There are nearly 30,000 applications on the Dublin City Council’s housing list.

"The time for debate is well over. It is now time for action.

"Dublin City Councillors, council management and Minister Coveney must work together to deliver a massive housing programme for Dublin.

"We must ensure the programme meets the needs of those on the housing list."

He is calling for Dublin City Council to prepare monthly plans to be presented to the Department of Housing.

It comes as Merchants Quay Ireland's annual report shows just over 7,500 people accessed their homeless services in 2015.

The group provided 98,865 meals for homeless and hungry people over the course of the year.

While its Night Café - opened in January 2015 - caters for up to 50 people every night of the week.

Across the year, Merchants Quay Ireland served 1,972 individuals who would have had to brave the streets without the service.

Last year, 2,676 individuals also used its needle-exchange service - 461 of these individuals were first time presenters.