The Irish Council for Social Housing has rejected the notion that housing estates containing a mix of social, affordable and private dwellings are unworkable.
Critics have claimed that such developments will lead to conflict between the residents of the various different types of housing.
However, the ICSH said research had found that, while there was little interaction between the different residents, there was also little evidence of any conflict.
The matter is being discussed at the council's annual conference in Sligo today.