A new sustainable Dublin City Council social housing scheme has been officially opened in the capital.

The City's Lord Mayor, Eibhlin Byrne, and Environment Minister John Gormley both welcomed the development, located on York Street, Dublin 4.

Consisting of sixty-six units, the complex is one of the first Dublin City Council housing schemes to incorporate several new, innovative and sustainable energy efficient concepts.

Some of the concepts include solar panels for the provision of constant hot water for the residents; and sedum roofs, which have exceptional insulation properties and have excellent rainwater retention properties.

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Rainwater is collected in 12 stainless steel water butts for use by the residents in the courtyard area, and there was extensive use of sheep’s wool in external walls for insulation purposes.

The development encourages organic waste recycling by the provision of a food digester on site.

There is also a provision of glazed balconies with sliding glass panels, which trap solar heat, for use as winter gardens in winter- time and as extra living space in the summer.

"I am delighted to welcome this wonderful example of sustainable and energy efficient housing," said the Lord Mayor.

"This reflects strongly Dublin’s commitment to making our city greener which can only improve the quality of life for people as well as ensuring that Dublin’s sustainability is ensured into the future," she added.

(PR/JM)