More than 600 social and 'affordable' homes could be built on a former John Player cigarette site in Dublin, according to Fianna Fáil Seanad Group Leader, Senator Catherine Ardagh.

Calling for the site not to be sold on the open market, Senator Ardagh said severe housing shortages in the area "are driving people to despair".

"People are desperate for homes in our area but the market is so volatile that they simply cannot afford to rent let alone buy," she said.

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"The South Circular Road site is prime, strategic land with enormous potential to alleviate the city's crisis in housing. It would be an appalling decision and an utter failure of State to allow the sale of this site to go ahead without intervention.

"The focus should not be on maximising the value of this site; its worth goes beyond capital. The development of this site can positively impact the market rate in the South Inner City and should be therefore fully utilised to deliver the mixed housing needs of so many."

(LM/CM)