The Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin is set to lose it's bid to have large numbers of church sites used for housing.

Instead of using their sprawling land to serve a dwindling number of congregants, the Church was hoping to use the space to build affordable homes and tackle the housing crisis.

Chief council executive Owen Keegan has urged Dublin City Council to reject the plans, which would require a number of churches to be demolished. 

The Church planned to use spaces currently dedicated to more than 30 churches across the city - including some listed on the record of protected structures, which puts strict limits on demolition.

However, at present they see no reason to make use of the surrounding space "in the medium or long-term", and feel it could be better used. 

Most of the churches have seen a huge fall in the number of congregants attending, prompting the Archdiocese to consider the redevelopment. 

Despite umbrella reservations, Mr Keegan has suggested some churches in less affluent areas be rezoned, generating affordable housing in areas where there is greater need. 

However, the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin does not have any plans for these particular sites at present.

The disadvantaged areas included in the Church's proposal stand to be rejected.