Sinn Fein is calling for vacant sites on the outskirts of Leopardstown Racecourse to be handed over to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

Councillor Chris Curran made the call and said that new social and affordable homes could be developed on the sites.

He said: "Leopardstown Racecourse is owned by the semi-state body - Horse Racing Ireland. Every year, horse racing enjoys significant financial support from the state.

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"Last year alone the sport received €64 million in state funding, a increase of €5 million on the previous year. In many respects, the taxpayer has paid for this land many times over.

"Having researched the land in question and after communications with senior council officials, we estimate the sites to be around 6.5 hectares that could yield up to 450 housing units.

"The land in question is currently unused, is already zoned 'A Residential amenity' (Housing), water serviced, borders an unused Luas station, is flood risk free, and is within the boundary of the Ballyogan Local Area Plan.

"This site was not included in Rebuilding Ireland plan. So it's vital that this site is secured by the state before it's sold off to a private developer."

(CD/LM)