Mr Costello said: "I particularly welcome the news that the funding is targeted at families on the waiting list and people with special needs. In my constituency of Dublin Central, one of the major issues I have to constantly address is social housing. Consequently, the extra funding for local authority purchase of housing and adaptation of existing housing is most welcome.
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"An extra €20m in funding will enable local authorities purchase 131 homes. These purchases will be completed this year and will address the specific special housing needs of families on waiting lists as well as providing additional mainstream housing.
"Furthermore, an additional €12.2m in funding will allow the acquisition of properties that will enable people with a disability to live independently in the community. These acquisitions have been prioritised by local authorities and will be completed by a range of approved housing bodies. A total of 135 housing units will flow from this initiative.
"The €32m funding boost arises from the Minister O'Sullivan's efficient management of her department's capital budget allocation for 2013. This funding will now be used to purchase an additional 260 homes for families and individuals with a housing need. There is a particular focus on assisting people with a physical or intellectual disability to live independently."
(CD/JP)
