Bringing empty homes back into use, addressing the infrastructure deficit, protecting renters and offering solutions to speed up the process of building homes were the main focus points of Aontú's newly launched housing manifesto.

Peadar Tóibín, Leader of Aontú, presented the document to the media alongside candidates at Buswell's Hotel in Dublin.

Speaking during the launch, the Meath West candidate said: "Our housing manifesto has a focus on solutions to the multiple crises that is holding back the potential of our young people and families all across the country to live in homes that are affordable, accessible and built quicker to meet demand.

"Amongst our many proposals is a plan to work alongside planners and local authorities to produce a technical booklet in each Local Authority Area of pre-approved housing plans.

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"These would include the various types of houses that would be permissible to build in these areas. It would cut out much of the wait time being experienced by home-builders currently in the planning application process."

Mr Tóibín pledged his party would build 15,000 social and affordable homes a year for the life of the next Dáil, which would result in an increase of €1.5bn on government expenditure.

He also stated that Aontú in government would provide 8,000 vacant home grants of up to €70,000 each costing the exchequer €560m a year which "will significantly reduce the bureaucracy and red tape surrounding the drawing down of this funding."

A similar grant of up to €30,000 for refurbishment of above the shops accommodation, which will cost €60m, was also highlighted.

Honing in on the construction side of things, Mr Tóibín said: "Aontú will zero rate VAT construction materials for the period of the next Dáil to lower the cost of building homes.

"This would cost €1.1bnand we will build accommodation for returning workers in a speedy fashion under Class 17 of the Exempt Development Regulations. This would cut down the time of build radically. It would cost €350m and will be known as Operation Shamrock.

"In the Gaeltacht, Aontú will advocate for Údarás na Gaeltachta to be the planning authority the same as any County Council and for them to focus particularly on building houses for the local people of the Gaeltacht. Everyone born and raised in the Gaeltacht should be able to build a house on their own land."