Housing Construction on the Rise Across Ireland
Positive news for County Tipperary and communities across Ireland as the latest housing figures reveal a substantial increase in new residential construction activity during September 2026.
According to the latest Department of Housing figures, commencement notices covering 101 new homes were submitted in County Tipperary during September, compared with just 39 in August and just 7 in September 2025.
This represents a welcome improvement for the Premier County and an encouraging indication of renewed activity in the local housing sector.
Of the 101 homes, 92 are part of larger housing schemes, while 9 are individual one-off houses.
However, Tipperary is not alone in experiencing increased construction activity, with other counties also recording significant numbers of new housing commencements.
Housing Development Across Ireland
The latest figures show that commencement notices covering 3,682 new homes were submitted nationwide during September 2026, compared with 1,656 during the same month last year; an increase of approximately 122%.
A county-by-county examination highlights the scale of activity taking place across the country:
Dublin: 1,902 new homes across the four Dublin local authority areas, including 1,247 in Dublin City and 390 in Fingal.
Cork: 278 homes across Cork City and County.
Meath: 272 new homes.
Kerry: 132 new homes.
Wexford: 120 new homes.
Donegal: 113 new homes.
Westmeath: 112 new homes.
Waterford: 111 new homes.
Tipperary: 101 new homes.
Kildare: 95 new homes.
Galway: 82 homes across the city and county.
Limerick: 34 new homes.
These figures demonstrate that housing construction activity is not confined to Dublin and the larger urban centres. Regional counties are also contributing to Ireland’s future housing supply.
Encouraging Progress for Tipperary and Regional Communities
For County Tipperary, the latest figures provide grounds for optimism. An increase from just 7 housing commencements in September 2025 to 101 in September 2026 represents a considerable improvement.
It is especially encouraging to see larger residential schemes contributing to this activity, alongside individual homes. However, sustained progress is essential. Tipperary’s towns and rural communities need continued residential development to support population growth, local employment, economic investment and the long-term sustainability of essential services.
More housing can also help young families remain in their home communities rather than being forced to relocate because suitable or affordable accommodation is unavailable. This is particularly important for regional counties, where balanced development must be a central part of national housing policy.
Housing Starts Are Welcome – But Completed Homes Matter Most
While these figures are undoubtedly encouraging, it is important to recognise that housing commencement notices are an early indicator of construction activity rather than confirmation that homes have been completed.
The real measure of success will be how effectively these developments translate into finished, affordable and accessible homes.
Several important challenges remain.
Affordability: New housing must be within reach of first-time buyers, working families, older people and those struggling to secure accommodation.
Infrastructure: Housing developments must be supported by adequate water and wastewater services, roads, schools, transport and healthcare facilities.
Regional Balance: Investment must extend beyond Dublin and the larger cities to ensure smaller towns and rural communities are not left behind.
Delivery: Developments must progress from commencement notices through construction to completion without unnecessary delays.
New homes must contribute to sustainable, well-connected communities where people can live, work and raise families.
Building Homes, Strengthening Communities and Securing Ireland’s Future
The latest housing figures represent a positive development for Ireland, particularly when compared with the same period last year.
The substantial increase in national commencements, together with encouraging activity in Tipperary and several other regional counties, offers hope that future housing supply can improve. Nevertheless, progress must be consistent, sustainable and focused on meeting real housing needs.
Government, local authorities, housing bodies, developers and infrastructure providers all have important roles in ensuring that this momentum delivers meaningful results. For Tipperary, the latest figures are a welcome step forward, but continued investment and a sustained programme of housing delivery will be essential. Ultimately, the success of Ireland’s housing programme should not be judged simply by how many homes are announced or commenced, but by how many families and individuals finally receive the keys to a secure and affordable home.
Ireland needs more homes in every county, stronger local communities and a housing system that provides realistic opportunities for future generations.
The progress is encouraging. The challenge now is to maintain the momentum and turn construction activity into completed homes and thriving communities throughout Ireland.
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