Record 60,243 new homes commenced in 2024 – pipeline for future supply strong

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has published its monthly data on the number of Commencements Notices (residential construction starts) for December 2024 and the total number of all new home commencements in 2024.
The data shows that between January and December 2024, there were 60,243 new homes commenced, up 84% from the 32,801 recorded in 2023. This equates to, on average, 239 new homes commenced every working day during 2024. This is the highest number of annual residential commencements since records began in 2014.
In December 2024, Commencement Notices for 4,397 new homes were received by the Building Control Authorities. This is an increase of 39% from December last year when 3,167 units were commenced.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien said:
“Strong figures on home starts in 2024 confirm that a robust stock of new housing is in the pipeline. Government initiatives such as the development levy waiver and the Úisce Éireann rebate have had a positive impact in getting projects off the ground with the ultimate goal of increasing our housing supply to meet housing needs.
“This significant rise in housing supply will enable more people to become homeowners and also help increase access to a wider range of secure housing options.”
Minister of State, Alan Dillon said:
“The milestone of over 60,000 new homes commenced in 2024 is a testament to the effectiveness of targeted government measures aimed at addressing the housing challenge. This record figure of commencements will deliver new homes for families, couples and individuals right across the country.
Increasing supply is critical not only for homeowership but also for ensuring more secure and affordable housing options for everyone. The progress achieved this year reflects a collective effort, and it’s vital we maintain this momentum into 2025 and beyond.”
Of all the homes commenced in 2024, 34% were in the four Dublin local authorities (20,712 homes). By Local authority, the most homes commenced in 2024 were in Dublin City (7,116) followed by Fingal (5,770) and South Dublin County (4728). The highest outside of Dublin was in Cork city (4,384). The lowest number of homes commenced were in Leitrim (101), Carlow (213) and Longford (248).
Full data on the number of homes commenced, notices and one-off dwellings on a national level and by local authority from 2014 to 2024 can be downloaded at:
December 2024 Commencements