The number of planning permissions granted for new homes in Ireland rose sharply in the third quarter of the year, data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows. Between July and September, 11,142 homes received approval, up 29.4% compared with the same period last year, marking the highest quarterly total since the final three months of 2023.
The increase reflects a rise in both apartment and house approvals, although the growth was particularly strong for apartments. The CSO reported that apartment permissions jumped 51.2%, from 3,318 units in the third quarter of 2024 to 5,016 units this year. House approvals also increased, but at a slower rate of 15.7%, rising from 5,293 to 6,126 units.
Dublin saw the most notable change in approvals. The capital recorded a 47.9% increase overall, driven largely by apartments. Apartment planning permissions more than doubled, rising from 1,293 units to 2,792. In contrast, approvals for houses in Dublin fell sharply by 57.5%, from 824 to 350 units.
The CSO cautioned that quarterly planning figures can fluctuate significantly, particularly when several large developments are approved in the same period. Analysts said the latest data points to a potential increase in housing supply in the near term, as developers seek to respond to demand in urban areas, particularly for apartments.
The surge in apartment approvals reflects a shift in focus toward higher-density housing, particularly in Dublin, where land scarcity and rising property prices have encouraged multi-unit developments. Outside the capital, approvals for houses and apartments both contributed to the overall increase, supporting wider housing construction across the country.
Housing analysts noted that the third-quarter rise could ease some pressure on the rental market if construction timelines keep pace with approvals. However, they also warned that planning permission is only the first step in the housing pipeline, and delays in construction could limit the immediate impact on housing availability.
The data from the CSO highlights ongoing efforts to expand housing stock, with government and local authorities encouraging both apartment and house developments. The pattern of approvals suggests that developers are increasingly targeting urban areas with higher-density projects, while suburban and rural housing growth continues at a steadier pace.
Overall, the CSO figures indicate a positive trend for future housing supply in Ireland, driven by strong growth in apartment approvals and a continued focus on residential construction across the country.
