Backlog to be cleared with 10,000 houses a year - Greens

The Green Party has promised to provide 10,000 social housing units per year over the life-time of the next Government.

Speaking at the launch of its "future homes" policy document the Party called for greater investment in the provision of housing for people on lower incomes.

The Party also said that it wished to introduce a "golden share" housing scheme if it formed part of the next Government.

Green Party Housing spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD said he wants to change the ways Irish houses are planned and built.

Deputy Cuffe said: "We will end the culture of development-led planning, which has left many communities without the basic amenities of schools, hospitals and access to public transport.

"We will ensure that building regulations replicate best practise across Europe and are enforced via a thorough system of inspections.

"And within five years we want to improve the energy efficiency of new homes by 60%. This is absolutely vital if we are to meet our climate change commitments."