Govt approves social and affordable housing plans

The Government has approved plans drawn up by all of Ireland's local authorities for the development of social and affordable housing over the next five years.

The proposals include new housing developments and the refurbishment of existing local authority houses throughout the country.

Announcing approval for the plans last night, Junior Environment Minister Noel Ahern said funding would be made available to local authorities on an annual basis in an effort to maximise the level of house-building achieved.