Athlone and Portlaoise are among 12 of 16 areas with no homes within HAP limits.
There are no properties available under the HAP rental scheme in some of the biggest midlands towns.
That's according to the Simon Communities latest 'Locked Out of the Market' report.
The survey is a snapshot study of 16 locations, including Athlone and Portlaoise - over three consecutive days - every three months.
Both towns are among the 12 of the 16 areas, where there were no properties available to rent in any household category within standard or discretionary HAP limits.
Portlaoise and Sligo town had the lowest number of properties available to rent with just three available across the three days.
While this October, Simon found just 33 properties available for rent, nationally, under the 'discretionary' HAP scheme - and just 3 properties available to rent under the 'standard' rate.
Executive Director Wayne Stanley says its grim - and he's got a clear message for the next government about housing:
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