A new study has revealed that Ireland has over 600 so-called 'ghost estates', with parts of the north-nest hit hardest in the wake of the property crash.

The research, released the by National Institute of Regional and Spatial Analysis, highlighted the number of empty or abandoned developments across the country.

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The institute has claimed more than 300,000 new homes are empty in Ireland – over double the official estimate.

Leitrim and Sligo were found to have some of the highest number of 'ghost estates' in the country. While every county has been hit, the figures indicate parts of the north-west and midlands are most affected – with suggestions that it could take up to seven years before housing prices stabilise in the area.

The data showed a total of 621 cases - 86 of these estates have more than 50 properties, 253 are made up of 21-50 properties, and a further 282 comprise 10-20 properties.

(NS/BMcc)