Shock as Co. Cork family find themselves sleeping in car for shelter

A father-of-six children has taken to the airwaves today to highlight the plight he has found himself in since becoming homeless.

Michael Dineen from Co. Cork spoke to Deirdre Shaughnessy on Cork's 96 FM today and opened up about the horrendous predicament himself and his family are currently experiencing.

Michael, who is father to a one-month-old baby, told the radio host: "I’ve been renting privately since my parents died, but unfortunately our landlord sold the property and now we’re homeless."

Despite seeking help, the family, who have lived in Mallow all their lives, found themselves without shelter and had to spend the night in the family vehicle.

Michael, whose eldest child is four-years-old, revealed that his efforts to secure accommodation have yielded nothing over the past six months, saying: "The system is failing us. We're not bad parents here, the system is failing us."

Michael, who fell victim to the recession and lost his job in recent years, feels that a group effort is needed to pull families like his out of the shocking situation, saying: "The people of Cork have an obligation, the council have an obligation and I have an obligation to look after my family."

Speaking to the host and addressing the people of Cork, Michael said: "I am trying my hardest" but admits that homeless shelters are not an option as he does not want to see his family separated.