The publication of the National Housing Statement has been described as 'important' by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI).

Published by the Housing Agency, the SCSI said the statement 'underlined' the need for accurate market data and analysis on housing needs to inform policy.

Key findings of the report include:

• Demand for housing will continue to increase in accordance with population trends and a reduction in household sizes.

• Supply of new housing needs to increase to meet demand.

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• 21,000 new units per annum for next 3 years.

• Affordability is an issue for households in greater Dublin area.

Conor O'Donovan, Policy Director with the SCSI, said: "The national statement published by the Housing Agency is a very welcome publication and provides important analysis on the needs of the housing sector.

"The housing market is a complex one and positive progress has been made to improve the availability of finance, to speed up planning and the Urban Regeneration and Housing Bill, which is due to be commenced soon, will reduce construction costs such as development levies and part V obligations and improve overall viability.

"We now need to ensure that these initiatives are quickly implemented to ensure that developments can move ahead and that the right type of housing is built in the right location based on accurate data."

(LM)