Last year's census says there are 166,000 properties vacant in the country
A new report from a major homeless charity is highlighting the "rigorous approach" taken in other countries to decrease the number of vacant homes.
Figures from the CSO show there were 130,000 houses and almost 33,000 apartments and flats recorded as vacant on census night last year.
The average vacancy rate in the midlands was eight percent last year, down one point when compared to the 2016 Census.
Westmeath had the highest rate in the region at 8.1%, followed by 7.8% in Offaly and 7.4% in Laois.
Author of the report "Home Truths: Vacant Homes in Cork", Sophie Johnston, says Ireland needs to look at how Canada is addressing the problem:
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