Department data shows over 2,000 homes commenced in Westmeath in last two years
Department data shows over 2,000 homes commenced in Westmeath in last two years
The Dept of Housing, Local Government and Heritage last week published commencement data for December 2025, showing 3,065 units commenced, double the 1,533 units in November. The total number of units commenced nationally in 2025 was 16,412, massively down on the 2024 figure of almost 70,000.
The data shows that 301 new homes were commenced in Westmeath in 2025, lower than the 2024 total as it was boosted by government initiatives, including the development levy waiver and the Úisce Éireann rebate, which helped fast track projects toward commencement.
Locally, 2,041 housing units were commenced in Westmeath in 2024 and 2025, a 145% increase on the 831 units in 2022–2023. Over the last five years, 3,344 units have been commenced in Westmeath. Nationally, in 2021-25, 176,206 were units commenced.
Minister James Browne, TD, said: “I am determined to back ambition for Westmeath and delivering the homes we need across the county. This serious jump in the delivery of new home starts in Westmeath during the last two years is encouraging and signals further growing confidence in the construction sector.
“This isn’t just about state backed delivery of social and affordable homes – it is about the activation of the private sector and seeing homes of all types. I am being relentless both with national policy changes and in engagement with local councils in getting this moving at pace.
“Just before Christmas, I launched a new Housing Action Plan which will deliver record government financial investment in building homes, but it also commits to creating the best possible environment for housing delivery. That includes an increased emphasis on providing the necessary infrastructure like water, electric, roads.
“As we continue to implement the action plan with huge urgency, I expect to see commencements rise year on year in Westmeath.”
The full Commencement data set can be accessed at gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/December-commencements-2025/.