The number of new housing projects started in Dublin is almost 6 times higher than last year - according to new figures published today.

The first three months of this year saw 254 properties started in the capital that is up from 43 for the same period in 2012.

The figures from the Construction Industry Federation showed an almost 20 percent increase in new houses nationally.

Galway city and county also saw high growth. However, the CIF do note a decrease in the number of housing projects started in Limerick and Sligo.