Builders need affordable serviced sites

THE GOVERNMENT spent over €250 million on rent subsidies last year, money which could have been better invested in affordable local authority homes, builders say.

If local authorities across the country provided serviced sites, developers throughout the country would build a whole lot of houses for that kind of money, Irish Home Builders Association Chairman, Matt Gallagher, said yesterday.

"Our industry is well aware of particular housing needs not being met. These needs can be met if the Government and local authorities adopt a more dynamic approach to involving our members in meeting the demand," he told his annual conference in Kilkenny.