CORI seeks increased govt investment in social housing

The Conference of Religious of Ireland has called on the Government to provide more money for the provision of social housing.

The body said extra funding of €400-€500m was required to meet the housing needs of Ireland's swelling population, which is expected to exceed five million with 15 years.

CORI said 50,000 people were on local authority housing waiting lists and an additional 73,000 social housing units would be needed over the coming eight years on top of the Government's target of 127,000 units.

As part of a submission on housing to the Government, the body has also called for the introduction of financial penalties on people buying second homes or holiday homes.