Govt releases land for housing

The Government has announced that it will release land in Dublin, Cork and Waterford for affordable housing.

The land could provide sites for as many as 3,600 houses.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern says the initiative will help first time buyers on low to middle incomes to buy homes.

State-owned lands at Harcourt Terrace, Portrance and St Bricin’s Hospital in Dublin are among the sites released.

Local authority land in the South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council areas will also be used.

In Cork city, properties on the Model Farm Road and the Youghal Road have been identified along with lands in Clonakilty.

Waterford city Council is to provide land for approximately 100 housing units.

“The Government is honouring its commitment in Sustaining Progress to deliver affordable housing.

"We will ensure that the projects are developed in a sustainable manner," said the Taoiseach.