Government to invest €35m in social housing

The Government is to invest €35m to restore vacant houses and use them to accommodate families who risk becoming homeless.

The housing minister Jan O'Sullivan has said the investment will mean over 1,700 extra properties will be available for social housing in the next few months.

O'Sullivan also wants to work with NAMA to increase the supply of vacant properties which can be used for social housing.

It is forseen the plan will deliver 2,700 extra properties by 2016.

It will be overseen by a new Social Rental Agency, which hopes to co-ordinate efforts to avoid homelessness.

Minister O'Sullivan added she will not rule out the use of empty army barracks or Garda stations to house people if the need arises.