Concerns have been raised over the potential impact of Brexit on Ireland's demand and cost of delivery for housing.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and Nevin Economic Research Institute (NERI) discussed the issues in the Housing Committee this morning, 13 November.

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin TD has urged the government to take action on the issues.

He said: "There are already issues with the lack of affordable supply and the cost of delivering new units, especially apartments.

"Key concerns regarding costs; include the cost of materials, labour costs and the cost of finance.

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"The committee hearing today also highlighted how the private sector is much more at risk from the negative impacts of Brexit than the public sector due to how the sectors are funded.

"A key mitigating measure that should be adopted by the Minister for Housing is to increase the targets and supply of publicly funded social and affordable housing.

Deputy Ó Broin added: "Despite the very import observations by the ESRI and NERI, it is quite clear that the Minister has yet to outline what work he an his department have been doing to mitigate the potential impact of Brexit on Housing supply and the housing crisis.

"I have written to the Minister this morning asking him to outline how he intends to deal with these issues.

"However what is clear is that greater investment in public housing with higher targets for the delivery of social and affordable homes would greatly assist in reducing the negative impact of Brexit on housing supply."

(CM)