The number of new houses built in 1998 reached a record level, according to the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal, Mr Bobby Molloy. The completion figure - 42,349 new houses and apartments - is 9 per cent more than the previous high reached in 1997.

Announcing the results, Mr Molloy said another year of records is needed.

"Unprecedented demand for housing arising from strong economic growth, population growth and other demographic factors means we need to continue building at record levels."

The end result for 1998 was well ahead of projections and the fourth consecutive year of record housing output. Mr Molloy added the numbers are already shaping up well for this year.