Record housing figures shows government making progress, says Senator Gallagher

That 4900 homes commenced construction in March, representing a 51% increase on the same period last year – demonstrates the Government’s Housing for All measures are working, states Senator Robbie Gallagher.

“These figures clearly show that the time limited waiver of development contributions and refund of Irish Water connection charges has had the desired effect of driving house commencements. These initiatives from Minister Darragh O Brien were well received by the construction sector and they have responded positively and actively, “ he added.

“Since last year, builders of new-build homes have not been required to pay development levies to local authorities for new build homes. Instead, the local authority invoices the amount of the levy to the government, which refunds it back to the local authority. In addition, water and wastewater connection charges levied by Uisce Éireann are refunded to the developer when valid commencement notices are issued,” Senator Gallagher said.

“The waiver and refund schemes have proven very effective, as evidenced by the increase of commencements. The data over the past 5 months clearly indicates an even greater ramp up by the sector:

4900 housing units were commenced in March

3699 housing units were commenced in February

3357 housing units were commenced in January.

Sen Gallagher believes that if this pace continues, Ireland can project the commencement of over 40,000 units by the end of this year, "which will obviously feed through to the completion statistics for 2025.”

“Government measures to activate the delivery of more homes is working and we need to ensure the upward trajectory continues. This is why it is very important that the development levy waiver and Irish Water refund scheme is continued,” he concluded.