A Fine Gael TD, who is being criticised for saying Dublin’s O'Connell Street is full of 'druggies and crime', has said he stands over the comments.

Paul Kehoe used the term while calling for action on crime in the area, saying he is ashamed of the capital's main street.

Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, Deputy Kehoe said: "It's a street I'm absolutely ashamed of as an Irish person."

"It is full of druggies, crime, anti-social behaviour, robberies, takeaways, alcohol, drug abuse.

"This is our main national street in our capital city.

"I wouldn't send a tourist to O'Connell Street because I'd be ashamed to send them to see what is down there," he added.

But it has been described as stigmatising and degrading language by those involved in helping drug users.

Deputy Kehoe told Lunchtime Live he stands by what he said.

"I realise that this isn't trendy, and apparently the PC brigade don't approve of my language.

"I'm more interested in the victims of drug-related crime that are making ordinary, working people's lives an absolute misery."

He said this is happening before our eyes.

"Ordinary people, ordinary decent people are afraid to go on to O'Connell Street; a street that millions of euros has been spent on over may years - The Spire, redecoration and everything like that.

"It is absolutely unbelievable to see what is happening in front of our own naked eyes," he added.