A planned development of more than 200 co-living units in Tallaght has been refused permission by An Bord Pleanala, saying it failed to provide an ‘acceptable living environment’.

This follows reports today that show nearly half of all counties in the State are unaffordable for first-time buyers on average incomes, as recent property price hikes continue to push home ownership out of reach for many.

Former Environment Editor for the Irish Times Frank McDonald, and Karl Deeter of the Irish Mortgage Brokers' Association debated the merits of co-living.