The government is expected to increase pressure on property developers with planning permission to 'use it or lose it'.

A new scheme would see local authorities have the power to cut the time allowed after permission is granted, if they feel builders are holding out for higher prices.

According to the Irish Independent, task forces will also be set up in Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Cork to identify issues around meeting demand for housing.

It comes as new figures are released showing the rate of new houses being built fell sharply towards the end of last year after a strong start in 2014.

The number of new projects for the entire year of 2014 fell by more than half from the middle of the year - falling from 66% to 30% when compared with the same period in 2013.

The largest year on year gains across the country new projects were in Westmeath (up 67%), Cork (up 66%), Donegal (up 50%) and Galway (up 45%) - with Dublin recording an increase of 30%.

The National Construction Index shows an annual jump of 30% in the number of projects getting underway - but growth fell sharply in the fourth quarter.

While planning applications also rose by 12% when compared to the previous 12 months.

Wicklow was the best performing county for applications with a year on year gain of 35%, with Dublin, Meath, Cavan and Westmeath also seeing significant gains.

Danny O'Shea is the managing director Link2Plans, which compiles the index.

He told Newstalk Breakfast that changes to planning permission could cost builders more money.