Environment Department officials have approached Fingal Council to look at the possibility of transforming vacant properties in the county into social housing, it has been revealed.

Such a move would reduce the council's financial outgoings, and eliminate the need to build new houses.

However, Housing Services Director Dick Brady said the properties would have to "suitably" meet social housing criteria and fulfill social integration guidelines.

It is unlikely the initiative would be welcomed by local building firms, if plans to construct new social homes were axed.

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The issues was discussed as part of a debate on the council's three year capital spending programme, last week.

Councillor Tom Kelleher asked members what action is planned to reduce housing waiting lists in the county.

Mr Brady told representatives: "There has been a circular issued from the Department of the Environment to look into this and we will be looking at unoccupied properties for suitability for social housing."

According to reports, the department has alluded to a possible system that would allow those looking for social housing in Fingal to stay in the area.

"About 78% of our local authority's applicants are residing in accommodation that are adequate for their needs and are on the list due to an inability to afford that accommodation," said Mr Brady.

"They are vulnerable in that way, rather than being in an unsuitable property. The housing department has plans to spend over €387 million in capital funds over the next three years - by far the largest spender of capital funds in the council," he added.

(PR/JM)