The Environment Minister has been slammed over the cost of modular housing units in Dublin.

New figures revealed that 22 housing units in Ballymun would cost a total of ‎€4.2 million.

The party's Housing spokesperson Dessie Ellis TD it would cost less to build real social housing with bricks and mortar.

Mr Ellis said: "We need housing right now for these families who currently are stuck in hotels and B&B's, but short term accommodation which is more expensive than a brick and mortar house which will last for decades, makes no sense.

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"We also have concerns for that the firm award to contract to provide these units currently has four of its previous contracts audited for fire safety. Such an investigation must be considered very strongly when continuing with a contract worth millions, which is supposed to provide secure and safe temporary housing for families. Safety is of the utmost importance.

"I am calling on the Minister to review the Ballymun site in question given the work already done to provide real housing in this area and the fact that these units will be costing nearly 15,000 euro more than the Department of Environment and others say a new social housing build would cost."

(CD/LM)