Dept of Environment get tough on housing funding

The Department of the Environment has ordered all local authorities to get cost approval for all future housing developments.

In a circular issued to all local councils on July 30 - but only published now - the Department has indicated that due to budgetary constraints, approval must be sought for housing projects, prior to the signing of contracts with builders.

The Department is warning that budgets will be strictly applied this year and that no additional funding would be made available beyond agreed allocations.