The report also shows that the 3 counties in the Shannonside region required the lowest average income to purchase a house, as well as some of the lowest rent prices nationally.

According to the report, counties in the Shannonside region had some of the highest rates of vacancy nationally.

At the end of last year, 22,777 buildings were under construction in Ireland according to new data.

Western counties continue to see the largest number of vacant properties with Roscommon and Leitrim recording levels over 16 percent.

Leitrim has the highest vacancy rate in the country at 12.2%, followed by Roscommon at 10.6%.

Edgeworthstown in County Longford and Boyle in County Roscommon have some of the highest number of vacant outlets in the country.

Local counties are recording some of the highest levels of vacancies across the country.

Sligo has the highest rate in the country followed by two local counties.