A Leitrim Councillor has voiced his opposition to the rise in the local authority's rent on council homes.

The new rates are being set at 18% of the main earner's income, dropping to 10% for other earners in the tenancy.

Protests against the decision are ongoing outside the council buildings in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Councillor Padraig Fallon, who was unable to attend the protest due to today's sitting of the Ballinamore Municipal District, says the hardship option may allow people to pay lesser rates: