Allied Irish Bank has offered financial support to troubled housebuilders, by "rolling up" interest payments.

The bank's announcement comes as its risky loan 'watchlist' tips €10.2billion.

Residential developers' loans reportedly make up part of the list's €3.5b six-month increase.

AIB has said a fifth of its €10.4b loan book, to residential developers, is "on watch".

There is no indication that these loans are in arrears or could go "bad", according to AIB Finance Director John O'Donnell, simply that they are being monitored more closely.

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The 35% decline in mortgage lending during the last few months has increased the pressure on housebuilders, according to banking boss Eugene Sheehy, who confirmed AIB would be "rolling up" interest rates.

The move will elevate the strain on some property developer customers, who have experienced no activity in the housing market, and thus have no liquid assets to repay interest.

Chief Executive, Mr Sheehy, described the bank's approach as "very supportive".

"There is absolutely no point in forcing people to put assets into a market that is illiquid - it is a total waste of time," added the banking chief.

(PR)