Construction work has started to develop almost 50 new Co-op homes in Ballymun, Dublin.

The 49 homes will be located in Poppintree.

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor Noeleen Reilly praised O'Cualann Cohousing Alliance for making the project happen.

She said: "The community has been trying to get this off the ground for over ten years, finally this year Dublin City Council came on board.

"There will 49 Owner Occupier units now in Poppintree all allocated for less than €180k for a three bed.

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"O'Cualann could certainly give the Government a lesson or two in what is actually affordable housing. The housing action plan quotes €240k which we know is out of the reach of many families in need of housing.

"There is a large number of land banks in Ballymun all zoned for housing, now that Poppintree has started we need to look at other areas to replicate this model and create homes for people."

Sinn Féin TD Dessie Ellis added: "It is great to see this project starting especially by a housing body. Ó Cualann Cohousing Alliance has committed to provide a fully integrated, mixed income, affordable, cooperative housing. I would welcome more opportunities for housing bodies to build in the city with the support of Local Authorities as it is an important contribution in solving our housing crisis."

(CD/LM)