Updated 07.45

Dublin is expected to run out of vacant housing stock this year, according to a warning from the Economic and Social Research Institue.

The government's economic think-tank is publishing new research this morning, predicting significant housing shortages in the greater Dublin area.

It says a rise in population will mean over 54,000 housing units will be needed in Dublin, by 2021 - while over 23,000 units will be needed in counties Louth, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow.

Associate Research Professor with the ESRI, Dr Edgar Morgenroth, told Newstalk's Breakfast if the shortage is not addressed, house prices will continue to rise:

Meanwhile, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is calling on homeowners - particularly those in Dublin and Maynooth - to consider renting rooms to students.

There is an acute shortage of student accommodation in these areas, with many students forced to book hostels for September.

The USI says the government needs to act immediately, because thousands of students will get their Leaving Cert results in one week.

USI President is Laura Harmon: