Social housing network urges use of 700 state land banks

A social housing campaign group has urged the Government to use up to 700 state-owned land banks to build tens of thousands of new homes in a bid to tackle the surging property crisis.

Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) president Justin O’Brien made the call as Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy said he was open to giving consideration to credit unions financing social housing developments.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner at the ICSH’s annual general meeting, Mr O’Brien said that while the political focus on a series of potential ways to address the housing crisis is welcome, a key option is failing to be properly prioritised.