A County Limerick Voluntary Housing Association has called on the Government to be more flexible when dealing with voluntary housing groups.

Speaking at the opening of 17 homes for elderly people in Towerfield, Croom Association Secretary Michael Walsh said the group is currently waiting on grants to build eight apartments despite receiving planning permission from Limerick County Council almost a year ago.

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He called for increased flexibility and blamed government bureaucracy for frustrating the group's work.

However, at the opening of the Croom Project, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley said his department had contributed €1.8m towards the provision of the 17 units through Limerick County Council, who administer the Department's Capital Assistance Scheme.

Mr Gormley also commended the work carried out by the Croom Voluntary Housing Body and praised the voluntary housing movement and pointed out that they were particularly well-geared to respond to people with special needs.

The Minister emphasised the importance of co-operation between the statutory agencies and the voluntary sector in providing services to the more vulnerable members of our society.

(VB/JM)