The Minister for Housing has said that the slowdown in apartment building is largely behind the poorer-than-expected number of new homes delivered last year.
The previous government missed the target of 40,000 houses last year, despite repeatedly saying they would reach that level.
Speaking at the turning-of-the-sod for a new development for older people in Phibsboro in Dublin, James Browne said; "we were very disappointed with the number of homes that were delivered last year. We did expect a higher number. I went to why that happened, really analysed it.
"And when you look at it, it's actually a collapse in delivery of apartments in Dublin city. We need to get those apartments delivered, whether they're built to rent or whether they're built to sell."
The minister said he had "great support right across Cabinet" for the decisions he was taking on housing, including the reduction in standards for apartments.
Speaking about the changes, Minister Browne said "what we are changing is the mix of units, making it a lot less restrictive around the mix of units you can have within if you like, the box, larger box units that a developer will have planning permission for.
"So effectively, developers are going be able to get more units in, and that will allow for a reduction in prices.
"But the problem we have at the moment is we have really high specification for apartments that are not leaving the design table, and the best design apartments that never leave the design table are no good to those people stuck in boxrooms in their parents'."
Also at the event were representatives from Cabhrú Housing Body, who are redeveloping McSweeney House to provide 35 apartments for older people on Dublin City Council’s social housing waiting list.
The development is due for completion in December 2026.
Chief Executive, Pat Doherty said: "Cabhrú is immensely proud to be providing these homes in the heart of the city to older people from the Dublin City Council social housing waiting list.
"Providing these 35 affordable and secure homes to older people is at the core of our vision and our work, as it is within the wider social housing sector.
"We’re about building and supporting sustainable communities and we expect a strong community to grow and flourish in McSweeney House."
