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.
Serious questions must be asked about the distribution of newly qualified Gardaí and the continuing failure to provide additional policing resources for Thurles and its surrounding communities.
Two graduation ceremonies were held at the Garda College in Templemore on July 24th and October 16th 2026, producing a combined total of 413 newly qualified Gardaí.
According to official An Garda Síochána figures, those 413 Gardaí were allocated as follows: Dublin Metropolitan Region: 178 – (43.1%). Eastern Region: 132 – (31.9%). North Western Region: 58 – (14.0%). Southern Region: 45 – (10.9%). Yet, of these 413 new Gardaí, just 12 were allocated to County Tipperary – and only ONE to the Thurles District.
The breakdown for County Tipperary is particularly revealing. July 2026 – 206 Gardaí graduated: Tipperary Town: 4 Clonmel: 1 Nenagh District: 1 Thurles District: 1
October 2026 – 207 Gardaí graduated: Clonmel: 2 Nenagh: 2 Tipperary Town: 1 Thurles: ZERO
This means that across two graduation ceremonies at Templemore, 412 of the 413 newly qualified Gardaí were assigned elsewhere rather than to the Thurles District. Let there be no misunderstanding. Every part of Ireland deserves an adequately resourced Garda service, and this is not an argument against Gardaí being allocated to Dublin or any other region. However, the allocation of just one probationer Garda to the Thurles District from 413 graduates raises legitimate questions about whether the policing needs of Thurles and surrounding rural communities are receiving sufficient consideration.
Thurles is a substantial town serving an extensive rural hinterland. Its Gardaí must respond to the needs of residents, businesses, farms and communities across a wide geographical area. The Gardaí already serving in Thurles deserve our full support and recognition for the work they carry out, frequently under demanding circumstances. But how can we properly assess whether Garda resources are improving locally when we are not being provided with a clear account of retirements, transfers and actual staffing levels? An Garda Síochána has explained that allocations of probationer Gardaí can also facilitate transfers of experienced members between divisions. That is important, but it makes transparent reporting of actual station staffing levels all the more necessary.
The Government, Minister for Justice and Garda management should provide clear answers: How many Gardaí have retired, resigned or transferred out of Thurles during the past 12 months? How many Gardaí are actually serving in the Thurles District today compared with previous years? How many experienced Gardaí have transferred into the district? Why was Thurles allocated only one probationer Garda from the July and October graduation ceremonies combined? What plans exist to increase policing resources for Thurles and its surrounding rural communities?
National recruitment announcements are welcome. Indeed, the graduation of 413 new Gardaí is a positive development for policing nationally. But recruitment success must ultimately be measured by whether communities see sufficient Gardaí available locally, not simply by the number graduating from Templemore. For Thurles, there is a particular irony in seeing hundreds of new Gardaí graduate just a short distance away, while the district receives only one direct allocation from these two ceremonies. This situation deserves proper scrutiny, clear explanations and a commitment to ensuring that Thurles receives adequate policing resources. 413 newly qualified Gardaí. 12 allocated to County Tipperary. Just ONE allocated to the Thurles District.
Surely the people of Thurles are entitled to ask:Is this an adequate allocation for our town and its surrounding communities?
Perhaps Mr Michael Lowry TD and Mr Ryan O’Meara TD, both might like to explain this obvious discrepancy and neglect of their Thurles electorate.
Thurles deserves answers and a properly resourced Garda service.
Undeclared milk and egg in a batch Carroll’s of Tullamore Traditional Lasagne.
Alert Summary dated Saturday, October 17th 2026.
Allergy Alert Notification: 2026.A27. Allergens: Milk and egg. Product Identification: Carroll’s of Tullamore Traditional Lasagne; pack size: 350g. Batch Code Use-by-date: 04/11/2026. Country Of Origin: Ireland.
Message: The above batch of Carroll’s of Tullamore Traditional lasagne contains milk and egg which are not declared in the list of ingredients. This may make the batch unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of milk and/or egg and therefore, these consumers should not eat the implicated batch.
Pre-deceased by his wife Mary (née Byrne) and parents Jimmy and Mary (née Commins); Mr Ryan, sadly, passed away unexpectedly at his place of ordinary residence.
His passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family; sons Thomas, James and Denis, daughter Roisin, their partners Sarah, Laura and Natalia, grandchildren Faith, Amelia, Liam, T.J., Ollie and Richard, brothers Seamus, Paddy, Joe and Denis, sisters Sarah and Camilla, nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law Noreen, Breda, Kitty, Wendy, Bernadette, Catherine, Carmel, Anna and Teresa, brother-in-law Jim, cousins, extended relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
May He Rest In Peace.
Funeral Arrangements.
The earthly remains of Mr Ryan will repose at Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, (Eircode E41 CP59), on Friday afternoon next, October 23rd, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, same evening. His remains will be received into the Church of Our Lady and St Kevin, Littleton, Thurles, at 8:00pm, on Saturday evening, (Eircode E41 HD90), October 24th. His remains will be received into the Cathedral of the Assumption, Cathedral Street, Thurles, (Eircode E41 A528), at 10:30am, to further repose for Requiem Mass at 11:00am. Interment will follow immediately afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Moyne Road, Lognafulla, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mr Ryan, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Ryan and Byrne families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
Pre-deceased by her husband Richard (Dickey) and brother John; Mrs Coppinger passed away peacefully, while in the care of staff at Nenagh General Hospital, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
Her passing is most deeply regretted, sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family; sons Michael, John and Martin, daughters Margaret (Moore) and Kathleen (Wall), grandchildren, sons-in-law Michael and Daniel, John’s partner Janice, cousins, extended relatives, neighbours and friends.
For those persons who would wish to attend Requiem Mass for Mrs Coppinger, but for reasons cannot, same can be viewed streamed live online, HERE.
The extended Coppinger and Dunne families wish to express their appreciation for your understanding at this difficult time, and have made arrangements for those persons wishing to send messages of condolence, to use the link shown HERE.
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