The Green Party has called on councils to release lands so that housing co-operatives and families can build their own homes and rejuvenate communities.

The party's local election candidate in Dublin's North Inner City, Ciarán Cuffe, has accused Local Authorities of hoarding valuable land banks and encouraging dereliction. He also criticised Housing Minister, Jan O'Sullivan, of watering down key 'Part V' provisions for social and affordable housing.

Mr Cuffe said: "There are many lands around Dublin city that are suitable for housing and yet remain undeveloped. Many of these sites were designated for Public Private Partnership housing projects that did not take place. Instead of allowing these lands to remain derelict for decades, we should look to make some land available for small builders and families to build their own homes. We should also allow for temporary uses such as community gardens and allotments. Such sites could feed families and grow community life, as well as crops. Instead, they are currently attracting anti-social behaviour and contributing to urban blight.

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"In the UK, there is a long tradition of using such lands for food-growing. With the renewed interest in 'Growing your Own', our local authorities should release many of these lands for urban food growing projects or pocket park use in the short and medium-term. Such an initiative would contribute to rejuvenating neighbourhoods.

"Local Authorities should make available lands to small builders, housing co-operatives, and housing associations, so that families can provide themselves with quality housing. Such initiatives have worked successfully in the Netherlands and Germany. There is no point in leaving lands and buildings derelict for years."

(CD/MH)