Almost 2,000 new homes commenced in Donegal over last two years, latest data shows
A 96 per cent increase in Donegal home starts during 2024/25, amid 'growing confidence in the construction sector'
The Department of Housing has published the commencement data for December 2025, revealing a sharp increase in national new home starts, with 3,065 units commenced – double the amount from the previous month.
The total amount of units commenced nationally in 2025 was 16,412.
The data shows that 789 new homes were commenced in Donegal in 2025. This is lower than the 2024 total due to the fact that the 2024 activity was significantly boosted by government initiatives, including the development levy waiver and the Úisce Éireann rebate, which helped fast-track a number of projects toward commencement.
To put things into a clearer context, 1,984 housing units were commenced in Donegal across 2024 and 2025 combined. This marks a 96 per cent increase on the 1,011 units commenced during the previous two-year period (2022–2023), highlighting a substantial uplift in construction activity within the county.
Over the last five years there have been 3,504 units commenced in Donegal in total.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said: “I am determined to back ambition for Donegal and delivering the homes we need across the county. This serious jump in the delivery of new home starts in Donegal 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.”
The Minister added: “As we continue to implement the action plan with huge urgency, I expect to see commencements rise year on year in Donegal.”