"It started slowly but in the past year we've had a huge response," says Anne Lannon of Dublin City Council's Affordable Housing section.

"A number of developments are at the final agreement stage and we're hoping to give people a real chance this year."

The potential is large in the city centre area, especially for apartments. Houses will be in short supply, she adds.

"We find the scheme works well. The choice is limited at the moment but the indications are we will be making offers to a broad spectrum of applicants in the coming years.

"We're having to look at different ways of housing. Families prefer traditional houses but the land bank is very finite in the city centre. It's an issue we're trying to address."

To date, the city council has finalised offers in Derrynane Square in Clontarf, Drumcondra, Kilmainham and Clonshaugh. Discussions with developers are sensitive and nothing is taken for granted until the formal agreement stage.

"Negotiations are under way for 4,400 units throughout the city, almost all apartments. There is an opportunity for houses in very large developments in the north-west and north central areas. It's very tenuous because they are still at the planning stage."