A group representing councils is rejecting criticism by the Environment Minister Alan Kelly of their efforts to tackle homelessness.

Mr Kelly yesterday claimed he could get more funding for the problem 'in the morning' if he looked for it - but what is needed is 'greater co-operation' from local authorities.

"If I have to say, one area where I 'd like better cooperation it's from local authority members - I've put proposals (to) Dublin City Council, they've been rejected", he said yesterday.

"I think local authority's members need to step up to the mark; they've decisions to make when proposals are put forward - that there isn't Nimbyism as regards homelessness", he added.

Minister Kelly is due to meet with councillors on Wednesday week to discuss the crisis.

Padraig McNally is a Fianna Fáil councillor for Monaghan and president of the Association of Irish Local Government.

He insists co-operation is not the problem, but rather what he called 'eight years of under-investment' in the sector.

"A lot of county councils are striving very, very hard to make sure that they are in a position to develop houses in as fast a time as possible" he said.

"But I would still say despite the government's present housing plan, the problem is resources".

"And I was somewhat surprised to (hear) the minister has money and he'll give us money - well if he has, let us have it and I think we'll solve the problem in a lot quicker time than would be normally" he added.

Mr McNally told Newstalk Breakfast the situation is hard to get on top of.