House prices across Ireland have risen by over 14%, new CSO figures have revealed.

The latest CSO Residential Property Price Index report for December 2021 shows that house prices across the State have risen by over 14.4%.

Sinn Féin representative Eoin Ó Broin TD has slammed the government for not having a handle on soaring house prices across the nation.

Teachta Ó Broin said: "House prices are almost at their Celtic Tiger peak - the last time Fianna Fáil was in government. According to the CSO data, the median new build house price for first time buyers across the State is now €360,000. That is scandalous.

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"The median new build house price in Dublin for the same cohort is €402,000. In Westmeath, the median new build house price for first time buyers is €445,000, in Kerry its €485,000 and in Kildare its €390,000.

"As a result of government policy, ordinary people on good salaries cannot afford to buy a home.

"Instead of prioritising investment in affordable homes to rent and buy, the government are content with maintaining the status-quo and shouting about supply. The reality is that they will only deliver 400 affordable purchase homes this year.

"Sinn Féin has a plan for housing. We would deliver an average of 8,000 genuinely affordable, good quality homes to rent and to buy per year. Our homes would be available to buy for €230,000 or less. 

"There is a different way to deliver homes, there just needs to be the political will to do so."