'Serious jump in new home delivery in Laois' - Minister for Housing

The Minister for Housing has described the surge in new home construction in Laois as a "serious jump".

Latest commencement data shows that over 1,800 new homes commenced in Laois in last two years. That is over double the new homes begun in neighbouring county Offaly, at 889.

There has been a 31% increase in Laois home starts in 2024/25 compared to the 1,368 units begun during 2022/23.

In total, over 3,700 new residential properties commenced in Laois over the last five years, as the county surges in population, particularly in Portlaoise.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has published the commencement data for December 2025, indicating a sharp increase in national new home starts with 3,065 units commenced – double the amount in the previous month (1,533 units in November). The total amount of units commenced nationally in 2025 was 16,412.

The data shows that 254 new homes were commenced in Laois in 2025. This is lower than the 2024 total because the 2024 activity was significantly boosted by Government initiatives enticing developers to start work, including the development levy waiver and the Úisce Éireann rebate. 

Over the last five years there have been 3,780 units commenced in Laois in total. Nationally, between 2021-25, there have been 176,206 units commenced in total.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is James Browne TD.

“I am determined to back ambition for Laois and delivering the homes we need across the county. This serious jump in the delivery of new home starts in Laois during the last two years is encouraging and signals further growing confidence in the construction sector.”

“This isn’t just about state backed delivery of social and affordable homes, this is about the activation of our private sector and seeing homes of all types for individuals and families.

“Just before Christmas I launched a new Housing Action Plan - which will deliver record Government financial investment in building homes, but it also commits to creating the best possible environment for housing delivery. This includes an increased emphasis on providing the necessary infrastructure like water, electric, roads. 

“As we continue to implement the action plan with huge urgency, I expect to see commencements rise year on year in Laois,” Minister Browne said.

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The full Commencement data set can be accessed at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/december-commencements-2025/