Sinn Féin has hit out at Housing Minister Simon Coveney after his plans revealed that it would take up to four years to build 500 new homes in Ireland.

Spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD confirmed the revelation was contained in a letter from the Department of Housing.

Deputy Ó Broin said: "The first stage of government's social housing PPP programme aims to deliver 500 units over six sites across the greater Dublin area. Minister Coveney announced it to great fanfare earlier this month stating that it demonstrated his commitment to tackling the housing crisis.

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"In response to a detailed submission I made to the Department of Housing on the PPP proposals, the Department confirmed that it would take each individual bundle of sites approx. 37-48 months to deliver. That timeline is deeply concerning and yet again raises serious questions about the use of public private partnerships.

"It demonstrates once again, despite all the rhetoric, that neither Minister Coveney nor his cabinet colleagues are serious about delivering social housing in a speedy manner.

"We know it takes 12 to 18 months for social housing units to be delivered the traditional way, with exchequer funding and led by the local authority. In midst of a severe shortage of all types of housing, I do not think four years is an acceptable length of time to wait for some much needed social housing units.

"When I made the submission, I stated that the use of PPPs delays the delivery of social housing. The 37-48 month timeframe is a best case scenario. In four years’ time, these units may be delivered if there are no delays, disputes, or contractual defaults."

(CD/MH)