Number of new homes being commenced throughout country continues to grow
Statement from the Det of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Westmeath is one of the local authorities in which more homes were commenced in April of this year.
The figure is in the latest data released today by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which shows that the number of new homes being commenced throughout the country continues to grow.
The latest figures show that 2,613 new homes were commenced in April of this year, an increase of 152% compared to the previous year, when 1,037 homes were commenced.
Since the beginning of the year, 11,021 new homes have been commenced, an increase of 176% from the same period last year.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, said: “It is encouraging to once again see continued improved commencement figures compared to last year, and I believe it’s a significant indicator that things are truly moving in the right direction when it comes to building the new homes we need throughout the country.
“I have been focused in my efforts to streamline the planning process and implement a housing policy that encourages confidence and certainty in the sector, and today’s numbers suggest this is beginning to bear fruit.
“We have set ambitious targets in our Housing Action Plan, ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities’, but that scale of ambition is what we need to turn the tide and solve this housing crisis.
“We will not be complacent and I will continue to use every lever available to maintain this growth, but today’s figures are very much another welcome step in the right direction.”
Of the 2,613 homes commenced in April, 1,446 (56%) are scheme dwellings, 718 (27%) are apartments and 449 (17%) are for one-off units.
A total of 23% (608 homes) were in the four Dublin local authorities.
By local authority, the most homes commenced were in Fingal County (276), followed by Dublin City (216) and Westmeath (185).
Further information on the commencement data for February can be found on the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage website here.