The Taoiseach has defended objecting to a housing development in his own constituency.

Leo Varadkar lodged an objection to the four-storey development in Castleknock - despite encouraging councils to look to build high-rise accommodation.

As he visited the final day of the National Ploughing Championships in Co Offaly, Mr Varadkar defended his objections to the development.

He explained: "My constituency is one that was blighted by bad planning - particularly by Fianna Fáil - building houses and apartments without putting infrastructure in first.

"I'm very much for development, very much for housing construction in all parts of the country - but there's a difference between being in favour of development, and being in favour of every single development."

He added that he feels it is the prerogative of representatives to object to any developments "they see as inappropriate".