Builders predict record levels of home-building this year

The number of houses being constructed in Ireland will reach new records this year, according to a group representing the building trade.

The Irish Home Builders Association said it expected 70,000 new homes to be completed this year, a slight increase on the figures for last year.

It said a record of almost 102,000 planning applications were approved last year and this would help maintain high levels of building activity.

The IHBA said demand for housing remained high due to economic growth, reducing household sizes, changes in population, high levels of migration and low interest rates.