State lands in Dublin, Cork and Waterford are to be used to provide up to 3,600 new homes under the Government's affordable housing scheme, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, announced yesterday.
However, just 950 of the new homes are to be built on lands which currently belong to Government Departments and the Office of Public Works. The Government is to ask local authorities to identify lands for the remaining 2,650 homes.
The new homes are to be sold below current market prices to applicants under the Affordable Housing Initiative, as part of the Government's pact with the unions, Sustaining Progress.
The release of the lands follows a similar move last July in which provision was made for affordable homes in Dublin, Kildare and Meath.
The additional sites named yesterday will bring to 6,100 the number of housing units to be provided on State and local authority lands under the initiative.
In Dublin the new sites identified include a Department of Agriculture and Food site at Harcourt Terrace, Department of Health lands at Portrane and part of Department of Defence lands at StBricin's Hospital.
Between them they will deliver 260 housing units. The four local authorities in the capital are to be asked to provide another 2,300 homes on as yet unspecified lands.
In Cork, new sites include lands belonging to the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Office of Public Works at Model Farm Road.
Also included are lands belonging to the Department of Defence at Youghal Road and Department of Agriculture lands at Clonakilty.
About 690 new homes are to be provided on these lands, with a further 250 to be provided on lands as yet unspecified by Cork City Council.
In Waterford, about 100 new homes are to be provide on lands owned by Waterford City Council.
The Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, is to request local authorities in Cork and Dublin to identify lands for 2,650 of the 3,600 units, the Government has decided.
The exact number of units on each site will be depend on its characteristics, and the appropriate housing mix for the area and other facilities.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said the initiative was evidence that the Government "is honouring its commitment in Sustaining Progress to deliver affordable housing".
Rising house prices had made it difficult for some workers to buy their own homes and the initiative is designed to boost the availability of affordable housing for this group.
"The Government will deliver good quality housing for those who have been priced out of the market in recent times. We will ensure that the projects are developed in a sustainable manner."
The Taoiseach said the Government was investing "huge resources" in housing construction, which now stands at the highest per capita level in Europe, with over 60,000 units being built in 2003.
Investment in housing in 2004 is expected to exceed €1.8 billion, a rise of 5½ per cent on 2003 levels.
Local authority housing starts are expected to increase to 5,000 units.
"Today's announcement is an important step in delivering on Government commitments. It shows that Government and the Social partners can co-operate effectively.
"The success of Sustaining Progress in addressing major national issues is evident," Mr Ahern added.