Over €4 billion will be spent on regeneration housing projects in Dublin city over the next decade, the capital's local authority has said.
Publishing its estimates for 2007 today, Dublin City Council said the majority of the new homes and all those being built by the council would be apartments.
The land available for housing in the capital is becoming increasingly scarce, and the council is under pressure to deliver new, higher-density housing for those who wish to live in the capital.
Assistant city manager Brendan Kenny said the council was in the process of "developing a blueprint/model for modern apartment living.
"We've already published a policy document dealing with the complexity of management companies," he said. "It will provide developers and homeowners with a template for good management of their new homes, their surroundings and common spaces."
The council also said it will spend some €2.2 billion in the city next year, including funding for new sports and leisure centres.
Dublin City Manager John Tierney said €846 million would be spent on expanding and developing services to people and businesses.
Rates for businesses in the city will increase by 3.85 per cent on 2006, Mr Tierney said, adding that the increase was being kept below inflation to ensure the city continues to be competitive.
An extra €500,000 will help tackle graffiti in public places, while an additional 30 people will be employed to clean the streets of the city's villages and suburbs.
Under the spending plan, Dublin's libraries will get an additional €1 million, with funding for broadband and wireless Internet access.
Opening hours in all libraries will also be extended to six days a week, as was the case before the economic cutbacks of the 1980s, the council said.
The council has also set aside funding for two new creches - providing 100 childcare places - and a family resource centre in the north inner city.
"Fostering Dublin as a city with a strong growth rate, a high standard of living and a place people gravitate towards, whether to live, work or visit is a priority that requires our 6,400 staff to use every opportunity to reinforce the city's strong international brand," Mr Tierney said.
The manager will present his estimates to Dublin City councillors next Monday, November 27th.