Just half the required housing will be developed this year, minister warns

While 30,000 houses are needed each year, just half that is expected to be finished this year due to the Covid-19 construction shutdown. 

Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien is bringing the Affordable Housing Bill to Cabinet. 

Some 30,000 homes are needed each year - but the Covid-19 construction shutdown is likely to see less than half that number completed, Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien has admitted.

Just 12,000 to 14,000 homes are expected to be completed this year, the minister said, speaking ahead of him bringing new legislation on affordable housing to Cabinet.