Calls for action on vacant housing with just 716 homes for rent across the country

The report revealed that the average market rent nationwide between April and June was €1,618 per month - up 3.3% on the first three months of the year, and 12.6% on the same period last year.

The number of homes available to rent across the country has plunged to a record low of just 716, causing the highest monthly rent increases in more than 15 years.

Just 716 homes were available to rent at the start of this month, down from almost 2,500 a year ago, with rents rising by 12.6% in the same period.