Coffey: Private sector needs to help with housing crisis

The Housing Minister Paudie Coffey says the private rental sector needs to contribute to the housing crisis.

Mr Coffey said the Government is working hard at tackling the shortage of houses in the capital, but says it will take time.

He made his comments at the launch of the Housing Agency's annual report.

Minister Coffey has admitted that, while extra social housing is being built, there is a problem in the short term.

He said: "That's why the vast majority of the social housing allocation is being made to Dublin and the areas around dublin, because they have come forward with their priorities for projects that they want to deliver as soon as possible.

"And they are being funded. Now the challenge is the in-between time and that's why we need to retain as much stability in that space until the new houses come into supply.

"The private sector needs to contribute massively, I think that's generally recognised, and until it does pressure is going to maintain."