Howlin: Govt to spend €2.2bn on social housing

The Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin said the Government will spend €2.2bn on social housing units.

He said he expects that 2,500 social housing units will be built next year and up to 6,700 units by 2017.

It will consist of €1.5bn from the Exchequer between now and 2017 with €300m from public/private partnerships and €400m from "off balance sheet financial vehicle".

He said there will be €800m for the Social Housing bodies in 2015.

The Dáil also heard that an additional €10m will be provided for accomodation and related services for homeless persons, bringing the total to €55.5m next year.

Mr Howlin also announced a €210m rise in capital spending to €3.5bn which will rise in 2016 and 2017.

Gross current expenditure for 2015 will be €50bn, an increase of €429m on 2014's revised estimates.