From:Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, with Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, and Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD, today published theMid-Year Progress Report 2026on the implementation of the national housing action plan,Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025–2030, following approval by Government.

TheMid-Year Progress Report 2026outlines the key milestones reached since the publication ofDelivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030last November, with a spotlight on progress under each of the priority areas in the plan.

The Progress Report shows continued momentum in the delivery of new homes with, by end of Q1 2026, year on year increases across a number of indicators:

There was a record number of new build social homes delivered in 2025, with that number expected to increase further this year. Starter Home Supports delivered by Government increased by 21% in 2025.

Minister Browne acknowledged that this is marked progress towards the overall objectives ofDelivering Homes, Building Communitiesis driven by strong collaboration across Government Departments, local authorities, the Land Development Agency, Approved Housing Bodies and other key delivery partners.

“All the key indicators are moving in the right direction. Planning permissions, commencements and completions have all increased. The delivery of new social homes is at record levels. Affordable housing supports continue to expand. Employment and apprenticeship numbers across the residential construction sector are growing, strengthening the capacity we need to build more homes into the future.

“These are encouraging results, but this Government is not complacent. My focus remains firmly on maintaining this momentum and ensuring that we deliver on our commitments by 2030.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Planning, John Cummins TD added:

“It is clear that steady progress continues to be made in the delivery of homes right across the country. Commitments in the Housing Action Plan continue to be progressed.

“This includes Planning Exempted Development Regulations which will come into effect before the end of the month. We have also published a draft National Planning Statement to update the Rural and Gaeltacht Housing Guidelines which will provide more certainty for people wishing to build a new house in a rural area.

“Where we see need for further reforms or changes, this Government will not hesitate to take the necessary actions to keep delivery moving.”

Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O’Donnell TD said:

“Supporting the most vulnerable is central to housing policy – providing appropriate accommodation and targeted supports for those in need, and ensuring that increased housing delivery promotes inclusion and equality across all communities.

“Practical measures in the new national housing plan include creating more choice for older people through the proposed changes to planning exemptions regulations for those who wish to convert their homes into separate living spaces, and the recent positive announcement by the Central Bank on changes to mortgage lending rules to provide access to bridging finance for older people who wish to voluntarily rightsize.”

TheDelivering Homes, Building Communities 2025–2030 Mid-Year 2026 Progress Reportis available at:

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/delivering-homes-building-communities-2025-2030-mid-year-progress-report/

Some of the key milestones achieved since the publication ofDelivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030are: