The average price of a house in Ireland has risen 15% every year over the last 10 years. That is according to the latest figures from the ESRI and Permanent TSB.

Countrywide, houses have risen in price by 270% over the decade since 1996. The average home now costs €280,000 compared to €75,000 in 1996. Prices increased by 30% in 1998 alone.

County Wicklow recorded the biggest increase nationally – 310%. Roscommon experienced the lowest growth rate at 195%.

Deputy Billy Timmins, Fine Gael TD, has called the figures alarming. In a statement issued today he states:

“I believes that the increase of 310% in Wicklow is partly due to the very restrictive planning policies that are currently in place. These restrictions which prevent non natives and people who don’t work in the county from buying new houses in many areas of the county have led to:

a.Increased demand in the main urban areas of Bray, Greystones Wicklow and Arklow.

b. Lack of supply in all other areas of the county as builders choose to build in neighbouring counties rather than get involved in the onerous planning conditions that are being attached to various permissions.

This 310% increase should be a wake up call to the Government and the Local Authority.”