The continuing increase in the price of building materials has prompted a call for Government intervention.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Mongahan & North Meath, Niamh Smyth spoke out against the increases, voicing frustration from a number of constituents.

Deputy Smyth said: "A combination of rising timber prices, transport issues and Covid related delays have increased the cost of building and renovating homes.

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"The rise in the cost of building materials is putting extra pressure on the supply of new homes and potentially locking a cohort of people out of the market. These additional costs will also limit a borrower's ability to secure a mortgage.

"I am acutely aware that it is an open-market but I am asking that our Government seeks the help of our EU partners and the World Trade Organisation to stem the price increases. It is a global issue and I believe it will take a concerted approach from world markets to reverse this alarming and distressing development.

"From speaking to those in the construction industry, I am very mindful that builders and buyers are not in a position to absorb these costs and the present uncertainty is unsustainable."