A working couple who are first-time buyers would need to earn between €100,000 and €125,000 to afford a new two-bed apartment in a city, with the affordability gap, and housing shortage, threatening economic and employment growth.

There has been a significant reduction in tourist spending from British and German visitors to Ireland as Brexit fears loom large - according to the latest Dublin Economic Monitor (DEM) published by the capital's four local authorities.

An economic report compiled for Limerick City and County Council by consultants EY-DKM Economic Advisory says the rent disparity between Limerick city and county could worsen the so-called “hollowing out” of the city centre.