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Ireland is on track to deliver almost 40,000 new homes this year, while the Land Development Agency has expanded its pipeline with the acquisition of land capable of accommodating another 3,000 homes in Dublin.
Home completions increased 10% year-over-year in the third quarter, taking the total delivered over the past 12 months to 38,792, according to Central Statistics Office figures.
That represents a post-financial crisis high and puts Ireland on course to surpass the 36,000 homes completed in 2025, with annual delivery expected to come in just below 40,000.
Supply growth has been broad-based. Completions are up 15% in Dublin and 20% outside the capital over the 12 months to the end of Q3. Apartment completions increased 20% year-over-year, while scheme housing rose 19%. Dublin still accounts for around 75% of total delivery, although apartment completions doubled in the southwest, driven largely by activity from developers Cairn and Glenveagh on major sites in Cork City.
“To get to 40,000 annual completions will be a significant milestone, but reaching and sustaining 50,000-plus will take additional effort,” Goodbody Chief Economist Dermot O'Leary said in a statement.
He highlighted the need for continued fiscal support for social housing and homeownership, faster rezoning, better coordination of utility provision and further planning reforms to reduce legal uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the LDA has acquired about 266 acres spanning two local authority areas, with 212 acres at Kilmartin in Dublin 15 in Fingal and 56 acres at Calliaghwee in County Meath.
Initial studies indicate capacity for approximately 3,000 homes on the tracts alongside commercial space and community amenities. With this transaction, the agency could now deliver more than 16,000 homes across the Dublin area from privately acquired sites alone.
“This is a significant strategic acquisition for the LDA and creates an opportunity for us to be a positive catalyst for residential-led delivery in a rapidly growing area of Dublin,” LDA Director of Development Phelim O'Neill said in a statement.
“The scale and location of the lands mean a coordinated and collaborative approach must be taken to ensure we are delivering not just homes but a thriving, well-served community.”
The agency's wider delivery pipeline exceeds 28,000 homes through direct development and partnerships with homebuilders. It is active on 29 sites, with almost 8,000 homes under construction.
The developments come as the LDA prepares for a leadership change, with founding CEO John Coleman stepping down after eight years to become CEO of airport operator DAA.
LDA Chairperson Cormac O'Rourke said Coleman transformed the organisation from a startup into one of Ireland's most significant housing delivery bodies. The agency will begin the process of appointing a permanent successor in the coming weeks, he said.
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