Housing commencement levels show 'failed policy', Cork TDs claim
The latest housing commencement data, released by government this week, shows that in June this year, 19 homes commenced in Cork city and 71 in the county.
Latest government data, which shows that 4,741 less homes have commenced this year compared to this time last year, have been described as a sign of “failed policy” by Cork Social Democrats TDs.
The latest housing commencement data, released by government this week, shows that in June this year, 19 homes commenced in Cork city and 71 in the county.
There have been 264 and 515 commencements so far this year in Cork city and county respectively, or a total of 779, marking a decrease from 2024 figures.
By the end of June last year, there had been 3,430 commencements in Cork city and 2,090 in the county or 5,520 total, and at the end of the year there had been 4,584 in the city and 4,630 in the county.
TD for Cork South Central Pádraig Rice told The Echo that the figures were very concerning, saying: “Commencement of homes in Cork city are down a staggering 3,166 for the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period last year – a decrease of 92.3 per cent.
“While commencement data is not directly indicative of how many homes will be built, it gives a clear picture of the pipeline of home construction for the coming years. The data we are seeing today is incredibly worrying.
“Instead of turning a corner on housing, this government is going around in circles with the same failed policies as its predecessor.” Cork East TD Liam Quaide added that the figures for Cork county “show a very concerning but predictable drop in commencement notices for new homes”.
He continued: “Last year's figures were artificially inflated because developers were rushing to avail of a waiver on water-connection charges and development levies.
“The Government misled the public about their housing figures to buy the election and what we are seeing now is a clear reflection of a failed housing policy.”
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