Over 50 per cent of properties put forward by Nama for consideration for social housing have been deemed unsuitable or have been withdrawn, it has emerged.
The information was obtained in reply to a parliamentary question by Sinn Féin who described the figures as shocking.
Last December, the Government announced Nama would be making 2,000 houses and apartments available for social housing through leasing agreements with local authorities and voluntary housing groups.
The Department of Environment now says that of the 2,000 properties, 697 have been deemed unsuitable by housing authorities, and 344 have been withdrawn from the scheme. Negotiations have begun in relation to 700 properties.