The latest house commencement data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) paints a picture of failed government policy in freefall, according to Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne.
Deputy Hearne, who is the party’s spokesperson on housing, said:
“The figures released by the CSO today do not bode well for expected housing delivery in the coming years.
“Commencement of residential units are down a staggering 26,743 for the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period last year – a decrease of 81.75 per cent. Worryingly, between April 2024 and April 2025, commencements were down by 94.5 per cent.
“Dublin saw just 51 commencements for the first four months of this year, with places like Kildare (9), Meath (5) and Galway city (4) faring even worse.
“While commencement data is not directly indicative of how many homes will be built, it gives a clear picture of the pipeline of home construction for the coming years. The data we are seeing today is truly terrifying and points to a complete collapse in house commencements.
“It again shows that this government’s housing delivery plan is in tatters and exposes the spin at the heart of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael’s pre-election fictional claims that 40,000 homes would be built in 2024.
“Instead of turning a corner on housing, it is now clear that this government is driving us off a cliff with the same failed policies as its predecessor.”
May 16, 2025