Plans to build 50,000 new social housing units throughout Ireland will require around €2.4 billion in additional spending over the next four years, according to Fianna Fail.

Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government Barry Cowen made the announcement after a report was published by the Dáil Committee on Housing and Homelessness.

Deputy Cowen said: "The Government needs to start prioritising spending above and beyond the commitments made through the previous Social Housing 2020 Strategy. Off balance sheet spending will have to be utilized to achieve this. Fianna Fáil prioritised spending on housing in our manifesto and we will continue to press the Government to release the necessary funding to adequately address the housing crisis.

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"Funding is not the only problem the Government needs to overcome. Outstanding problems with the planning process must be tackled to help kick start housing construction. Fianna Fáil will be bringing forward robust legislation based on the proposals contained in this report to achieve this. Our legislation will focus on developing strategic infrastructure to accelerate housing development and help avoid planning bottlenecks.

"This report needs to be used by the Government as the blueprint for shaping its new housing policies across the public, private and rental sector. It cannot be allowed gather dust on a shelf considering the current homelessness crisis, the difficulties young people have in buying their own home and social housing waiting lists which are spiralling out of control."

(CD/LM)