Nationally, there are 166,752 unused sites.
There are over 8,000 vacant properties in the midlands.
Figures from the preliminary results of the Census show there are 3,193 vacant units in Westmeath, a decrease of 14% from 2016.
2,650 sites are unused in Laois, which is a reduction of 11.9% on the previous Census statistics.
Offaly is the only county in the region to see an increase in vacant properties, at 2,663, which is 0.9% more than 2016.
Nationally, there are 166,752 vacant properties, which is a reduction of 9% from the 2016 Census.
Junior Housing Minister and Longford-Westmeath TD, Peter Burke, says steps are being taken to combat the issue:
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