More than 170 homes were completed across Waterford city and county in the first three months of the year, according to new CSO figures.

A total of 7,856 homes were built nationally in the first quarter of 2026, the highest Q1 level since records began in 2011 and a rise of almost 33 per cent on the same period last year.

Dublin continues to dominate housing delivery, accounting for just over 32 per cent of all completions, standing at over 2,000.

That compares to 177 completed in Waterford over the same period.

Across the country, every region saw an increase in completions compared to last year, with strong growth also recorded in the Border and South West regions.

Housing Minister James Browne says the figures show momentum is building in housing delivery, and that the direction of travel is improving.

Growing pressure

However, despite an increase in housing delivery, pressure across the housing system, particularly in the rental market, remains severe.

The CSO figures show an increase on the same period last year, but this has not significantly eased affordability or availability pressures, with average new tenancy rents standing at €1,700 a month nationally and existing rents close to €1,500 in quarter three of last year according to the ESRI.

Homelessness also remains at record levels above 17,000 people, including more than 5,500 children, highlighting the gap between rising completions and underlying demand.

While output is increasing, delivery remains concentrated in urban centres, particularly Dublin, where nearly 78 per cent of apartment completions are located.

In contrast, Waterford’s completions stood at 177, a small share of national output.

Pressure continues to be felt in the rental sector, where supply constraints persist despite higher national completion figures.

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