The majority of people are in favour of a new tax on empty homes, according to the Peter McVerry Trust.

The homeless and housing charity has called on the Government to bring forward legislation to introduce an empty homes tax in Ireland.

Pat Doyle, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust, said: "We strongly believe in the merits of an empty homes tax because it will encourage the owners of empty homes to either take up existing grant schemes or place their properties on the market. Ultimately, an empty homes tax will result in an increased number of homes to rent, to buy and to be used for social housing.

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"At Peter McVerry Trust we see empty homes as having enormous potential in tackling homelessness. Bringing empty homes back into use means we can get individuals and couples out of homelessness quicker and reduce the need for emergency accommodation.

"We can turn these empty homes around, quickly, cheaply and to very high standards. We would urge the Government to include an empty homes tax in new empty homes strategy because it will help maximise the huge potential that exists to increase housing supply in high need areas."

(CD/LM)