A Leitrim Councillor has urged to consider running a new housing initiative being introduced by Bank of Ireland to tackle the housing crisis

The country's largest bank has announced a new loan which will help people 'downsize' to smaller homes.

A pilot scheme will be launched in the new year which will allow people to buy a smaller home before they close the sale of their current property.

The Trade Down loan is aimed at homeowners whose children have moved out and would prefer to live in a smaller home.

Leitrim Councillor Brendan Barry had suggested a similar scheme for those living in Council accommodation.

The Sinn Fein Councillor could benefit many tenants in both private and council owned sectors