The Minister for Public Expenditure has announced that €10 million would be made available from the proceeds of the sale of Bord Gáis for an affordable housing pilot scheme.

Brendan Howlin said it would be part of an ongoing annual commitment to secure a long term increase in the supply of housing for affordable rental.

The Minister announced that the current allocation for social housing will be increased by €69 million to €414 million.

This funding, he said, would enable local authorities to secure accommodation for a further 14,000 households.

Mr Howlin also announced an additional €17 million towards the allocation for emergency accommodation.