The Environment Minister Alan Kelly is pledging to clear the social housing waiting list by 2020.
Mr Kelly's commitment is contained in a new multi-billion euro strategy to provide 90,000 homes.
The package of measures will include the creation of 29,000 jobs to build 35,000 properties.
A further 75,000 homes will be provided in the private rented sector through the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Scheme.
Minister Kelly says the plan will address the social housing supply shortage.
He said: "It has been shown to us and estimated that across local authorities there are 90,000 people waiting for some form of housing.
"Through this strategy, up to 2020, we are going to meet that.
"So effectively what I am announcing today is that we are going to clear waiting lists for social housing in this country by 2020."