Homelessness a major national concern - but many houses are unoccupied

The census revealed 259,562 vacant dwellings in the State, 12.8% of houses. This includes 61,204 holiday homes

Homelessness is a matter of national concern, linked to other housing problems such as the dramatic increase in rents.

The building industry, after its dramatic collapse post 2008, is unable to build sufficient houses and flats to meet the real demand.