LOOKS LIKE more people than ever will be opting for “green jersey” summer holidays, and it’s likely that holiday home owners here will benefit.

The recession continues to take its toll with 20 per cent of respondents in a survey conducted by property website MyHome.iesaying they have been forced to change plans due to a deterioration in their financial circumstances.

The good news is that 78 per cent of those surveyed believe there is now better value available for holidays in Ireland and almost two thirds of respondents said there was better value for holiday home rental.

Self-catering homes fared better than hotels as the accommodation of choice for Irish people, coming in at 36 per cent versus 35 per cent, while staying with family/friends and camping/mobile homes were the other main choices.

A third of respondents said cost was their primary reason for booking self-catering accommodation, followed closely by facilities and creating a home from home.

More than a quarter (28 per cent) of Irish people will holiday in Ireland this year, with only 39 per cent heading abroad. This compares to 53 per cent who headed abroad just two years ago.