Locals in Cork have been expressing their sadness after two homeless people died in the city centre over the past week.

Both deaths are understood to be the result of drugs overdoses.

According to the Irish Examiner, the deaths took place in the days surrounding the tragic death of homeless man Jonathan Corrie - just metres from the Dáil.

One of the men died in a Cork City hospital after collapsing in a shop on North Main Street on Tuesday.

The other man was found in the toilets of a fast food outlet in the city centre last Saturday night.

It is believed both men were using homeless services recently.

It follows the first ever public forum on homelessness in Dublin on Thursday to discuss how we can tackle the issue.

A national debate on homelessness has taken place following the death of Jonathan Corrie, who passed away in a doorway near the Dáil on Monday night.

The funeral of Mr Corrie has taken place at a Dublin crematorium today.

Both the Environment Minister and the Taoiseach have pledged to provide enough emergency accommodation for everyone living on the streets by Christmas.

Dermot Kavanagh from the Cork Simon Community says they need to follow through on their promises:

Brendan Hennessy from St Vincent de Paul Social Justice says these latest deaths are a terrible tragedy:

The Peter McVerry Trust is holding its annual Christmas carol concert in Dublin tonight - with all funds raised going towards tackling homelessness and drug misuse.

Originally posted at 11.49am