It comes as the government considers changing the planning rules for one-off housing
The supply of rural homes is way below demand, according to a new report.
Fewer than 6,000 one-off homes were built last year, compared to more than 23,000 in 2006 - according to a report from Hardware Association Ireland.
Over 90% of those surveyed identified a clear shortfall between supply and demand in their area, with the report warning failure to act now will accelerate rural depopulation.
The report says unlocking this sector could add at least a further 6,000 rural houses per year.
It comes as the government considers changing the planning rules for one-off housing, with plans to ease local authority restrictions on one-off housing, along main roads where other houses have already been built, will go before Cabinet in the coming weeks.

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