Construction begins on Ireland's first 'co-village'

Construction has begun today on the site of Ireland's first eco-village.

The development in Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, will include houses, apartments and community facilities, which will be powered by local sources.

Most of the homes will be south-facing to take advantage of solar energy, while much of the water will be sourced from harvested rainwater.

"There'll be play areas for children, we'll be building using ecologically sustainable materials, we'll be setting up an energy system, a water treatment system," said Johnny Connolly of Sustainable Projects Ireland.

"Its quite a unique development in Ireland, and we hope that this will become a model for sustainable developments into the future."