Waterford councillors have questioned the low rate of approval for home loans provided under a government scheme.
It has been revealed that out of 78 people who applied for the scheme locally this year, only 15 have been approved.
Under the Rebuilding Ireland programme, first time buyers can get a mortgage from Waterford Council that can be used to purchase a new or second-hand property or for self-built housing.
However, the council's Director of Housing, Ivan Grimes says the figures don't tell the whole story.
"The rate of refusal is actually about 50%. The number approved is 15, but there's a number where applicants have been asked for additional information, or to demonstrate better a savings record over a number of months and have been asked to report back."
