Local authorities to accelerate schemes for downsizing properties

Local authorities should accelerate programmes to encourage people to downsize their properties. That's according to the Housing Minister.

There are 8,600 under occupied social housing units in Dublin.

Minister Darragh O' Brien says there should be increased use of existing schemes to facilitate those who want to downsize. "Some of our local authorities run very good schemes for building appropriate housing for rightsizing.

"That then frees up other properties but it does need to accelerate. And that is happening now," he added.