A move to finish housing in 'ghost estates' in Galway will be made following an outcry for social housing.

Housing Minister, Willie Penrose, said that a discussion between the National Assets Management Agency and developers is on going with hope of having proposals finalised by January 2012.

The Minister has suggested that idle homes in these estates could be turned into social housing.

Over the past three years the number of people on the waiting list for social housing in Galway has more than doubled from 2,000 to 4,115.

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The massive leap is attributed to the downturn in the economy and an increase in the number of people who have fallen into arrears with their mortgage repayments.

It is understood that 41% of those on the list earn less than €200 per week while 28% are living on between €200 and €300 a week. A weekly income between €300 and €400 makes up only 14% of the list and only 17% earn above €400 per week.

A spokesman from Galway City Council said: "It’s a direct consequence of the economic situation. The vast majority of people waiting for accommodation are looking for one or two bed accommodation.

"They comprise of 84.4% of applications. Currently, of the 4115 households on the list, 84% of those are currently in receipt of rent supplement."

(LB/GK)