The number of planning permissions approved for homes fell dramatically in the first quarter of 2010, reflecting the continuing weakness in the property market, Central Statistics Office figures show.

Permission was granted for only 5,510 dwelling units over the three-month period, compared to 14,177 in the same period in 2009, a 61 per cent decline. Figures from the Construction Industry Federation earlier this month predicted that fewer than 10,000 homes would be built here this year.

This would place Ireland at the bottom of the European residential construction table.