Almost 150 new homes commenced in Westmeath in 2026 Q1

The latest data released today by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage shows that the number of new homes being built in Westmeath is growing.

The latest figures show that since the beginning of the year, 146 new homes have been commenced in the county, an increase of 21 units compared to the first quarter of 2025.

Nationally, 8,408 new homes have been commenced, an increase of 184% on the 2,961 units commenced during the first quarter of 2025.

The national commencement data so far this year builds on the figures for 2024 and 2025 when a total of 85,723 homes were commenced, representing an increase of 43% compared with the combined total for the previous two-year period (2022 and 2023).

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD, said: “It’s great to once again see such strong figures with regard to the number of new homes being built both in Westmeath and throughout the country. To see these numbers growing month-on-month alongside positive data across other key indicators in the sector, such as the recent AIB Construction PMI survey, it really shows that momentum is building in a way that puts us on the right track to meet the goals set out under our Housing Action Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities.

“I have made it clear that, as minister, I intend to use every lever available to minimise red tape and maximise delivery. That will require increased public delivery of social and affordable housing, and also a serious increase in private sector home building. Today’s numbers reflect the sustained progress being made in this regard.”

Of all units commenced in the first quarter of 2026 (January to March), 35% (2,921 units) were in the four Dublin local authorities. By local authority, the most units commenced this year have been in Fingal County (1,048), followed by Dublin City (721) and South Dublin County (682).