More good news for construction sector as latest data shows continued increase in new home starts
- Published on: 16 April 2026
- Last updated on: 16 April 2026
8,408 new homes commenced in the first quarter of 2026
2,939 new homes commenced in March 2026
The latest data released today by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage shows that the number of new homes being built throughout the country continues to grow, indicating building momentum in the sector.
The latest figures show that since the beginning of the year, 8,408 new homes have been commenced, an increase of 184% on the 2,961 units commenced during the first quarter of 2025. Indeed, if Q1 2024 (where levy waivers led to unprecedented levels of commencement) was excluded, the commencements for Q1 of this year would be the highest on record.
In March alone this year, 2,939 new homes were commenced, an increase of 293% compared to the same month last year.
The 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).
Today’s data also follows positive news earlier in the week where AIB’s latest Irish Construction PMI survey showed that building activity in the residential sector posted its second successive month of growth for the first time since the first half of 2025.
Welcoming today’s further momentum, 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 throughout the country. To see these numbers growing month-on-month alongside positive data across other key indicators in the sector, such as the AIB Construction PMI survey earlier this week, 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 very clear that, as Minister, I intend to use every lever available, to minimise red tape and maximise delivery. This will require increased public delivery of social and affordable housing, but also a serious increase in private sector home building. Today's numbers reflect the very real and sustained progress being made in this regard.”
Of the 2,939 units commenced in March, 1,635 (55%) are scheme dwellings, 932 (32%) are apartments and 372 (13%) are for one-off units. A total of 43% (1,276 units) were in the four Dublin local authorities. By Local Authority, the most units commenced were in Fingal County (686), followed by South Dublin County (277) and Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown (178).
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).
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Single dwellings are one-off dwellings.
Scheme dwellings are houses that form part of a multi-unit development.
Apartment dwellings are within a multi-unit development and are recorded as apartment units in the Building Control Management System (BCMS).
Further information on the commencement data for February can be found here: