Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, alongside Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, and Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O'Donnell TD, has published the Mid-Year Progress Report 2026 on the implementation of the national housing action plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025–2030, following approval by Government.

The report details milestones achieved since the housing plan was launched last November and tracks progress under each of its priority areas.

By the end of Q1 2026, the figures point to continued momentum year on year: new home completions were up 26%, apartment output increased by 42%, and new planning permissions rose by 8%. A record number of new-build social homes were delivered in 2025, with that total expected to climb again this year. Government-backed Starter Home Supports increased by 21% in 2025.

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Minister Browne said the progress reflects strong collaboration across Government departments, local authorities, the Land Development Agency, Approved Housing Bodies and other delivery partners.

Minister Browne said: "All the key indicators are moving in the right direction. Planning permissions, commencements and completions have all increased. The delivery of new social homes is at record levels. Affordable housing supports continue to expand. Employment and apprenticeship numbers across the residential construction sector are growing, strengthening the capacity we need to build more homes into the future.

"These are encouraging results, but this Government is not complacent. My focus remains firmly on maintaining this momentum and ensuring that we deliver on our commitments by 2030."

Minister of State with responsibility for Planning, John Cummins TD, added: "It is clear that steady progress continues to be made in the delivery of homes right across the country. Commitments in the Housing Action Plan continue to be progressed.

"This includes Planning Exempted Development Regulations which will come into effect before the end of the month. We have also published a draft National Planning Statement to update the Rural and Gaeltacht Housing Guidelines which will provide more certainty for people wishing to build a new house in a rural area.

"Where we see need for further reforms or changes, this Government will not hesitate to take the necessary actions to keep delivery moving."