A report says Dublin is facing a shortfall of 5,400 apartments this year. The figure means the housing supply expected to become available will fall short of demand by 5,400 homes. The shortage could put further pressure on rents and make housing harder to find for people moving to the city. It may also limit the number of new households that can be formed without relying on existing housing stock. The report's underlying figures will determine whether the gap reflects delayed construction, weak permitting or other supply problems. Its findings could give city planners and housing officials a clearer measure of how many additional units are needed. The headline figure does not identify where in Dublin the shortage is concentrated or how long it is expected to last. For renters and prospective buyers, the immediate issue is whether this is a temporary timing problem or a deeper construction shortfall.