Michael Finneran, minister of state for environment, heritage and local government stated that a’ high level’ of investment in social housing will be continued in 2009 despite the challenges facing public finances.

As part of this the minister has also promised a focus on the ‘greening’ of social housing through various initiatives to deliver greater energy efficiency and to address the issue of fuel poverty.

And, he announced a new programme that will see investment of more than 20million this year to improve the energy efficiency of vacant local authority housing and apartment complexes throughout Ireland.

However, overall funding will fall from 2008 when it was 1.73billion was spent, to 1.4billion this year – Mr Finneran promised ‘better value for money’.

He made the announcement last night (16 April) in an address to the Annual Conference of Local Authority Members Association in the coastal town of Portlaoise.

Despite slightly cutting funding this year he pointed out a record level of resources has been provided for social housing in recent years.

Luke Walsh

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