The number of houses being built is beginning to ease according to the National Housing Construction Index survey, published by Link2Plans.

The survey found that overall planning applications dropped 20%, compared to a drop of 23% from January To April last year.

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Donegal, Longford and Leitrim had a slight rise in applications, however the biggest fall was in Kildare and Kerry.

Housing commencement notices fell by 13%.

Managing director Danny O'Shea also observed a 16% increase in the number of people extending their planning permission for up to five years.

He said: "Our researchers noticed an increase in planning applications for extensions of duration…Applicants are allowed to apply for an extension of the duration once only, for up to five years."

(CD/GK)