Home-building activity in Dublin and Cork accounted for almost 40% of all new residential units under construction in December.

Between 76,000 and 96,000 additional tourists are expected to visit Ireland in June next year as there are three group games and one round of 16 game played at the Aviva Stadium.

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.

Any individual or couple trying to buy a first home knows well what kind of a challenge that represents.