Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the latest housing figures which show a strong start to 2026, with 362 new homes completed in Galway in the first three months of the year.

Nationally, 7,856 new homes were completed between January and March, an increase of 32.9% on the same period in 2025 and the highest number of first-quarter completions since records began in 2011.

Minister Canney said the Galway figure reflects real progress on the ground for local communities: “Seeing 362 new homes delivered in Galway in just the first few months of the year is really encouraging. Every one of those homes represents a person or a family getting a place to call their own, and that’s what this is all about.

“Across the country, the momentum is clearly building. Nearly 8,000 homes completed in the first quarter, along with over 8,400 new homes starting construction, shows that we are moving in the right direction.”

The national figures show growth across all types of housing:

  • 4,082 scheme dwellings (up 34.5%)
  • 2,355 apartments (up 33.3%)
  • 1,419 single dwellings (up 27.8%)

Completions increased in every region.

Minister Canney said the wider indicators across the sector are also positive: “We’re seeing strong first-time buyer activity, record levels of social housing delivery and solid planning permission numbers. All of that points to continued supply coming through.

He added that the focus must remain on sustaining delivery: “We need to keep this momentum going and continue to support increased housing supply right across the country so that more people have the opportunity to put down roots in their own communities.”

Notes to Editors

New Dwelling Completions by Local Electoral Area in Galway, Q1 2026 (CSO):

  • Gort-Kinvara: 64
  • Athenry-Oranmore: 61
  • Connemara South: 21
  • Connemara North: 21
  • Galway City Central: 68
  • Galway City West: 30
  • Galway City East: 4
  • Tuam: 41
  • Loughrea: 29
  • Ballinasloe: 23