9,000 fewer new homes to be built this year, says Housing Minister

Minister Darragh O'Brien admits building will need to be ramped up to ensure the homes are there for people to buy.

The Housing Minister says around 16,000 new homes will be built in Ireland this year - 9,000 less than projected pre-Covid-19.

Darragh O'Brien also says the government's new affordable home ownership scheme is "well advanced" ahead of its expected unveiling later this month.