Louth on top as local authorities ranked on housing delivery
James Cox
A new league table ranking local authorities on their performance in delivering new and additional housing has been published, with Louth coming out on top.
The research, carried out by the Hardware Association Ireland (HAI), was published on Monday.
Across the first six months of 2026, Louth tops the table with 6.6 homes created per 1,000 people, 83 per cent above the State rate of 3.6.
Laois follows in second place with 5.2, ahead of Kildare at 4.6, while South Dublin and Fingal both recorded 4.5 homes per 1,000 people.
Galway city recorded the lowest rate at 1.9 homes per 1,000 people, followed by Limerick at 2.0 and Mayo at 2.1. The rate recorded in Louth was almost three-and-a-half times that recorded in Galway city.
Nine of Ireland’s 31 local authority areas recorded a rate above the State figure. Sligo, Meath and Cork county matched the State rate of 3.6, while the remaining 19 areas recorded a rate below it.
The study evaluates councils based on housing delivery rates, planning efficiency, and progress against local housing targets.
According to HAI, the league table is intended to improve transparency and support the sharing of best practice across the sector. By identifying high-performing authorities, the report "aims to encourage collaboration and help underperforming areas learn from successful approaches to planning and delivery".
Martin Markey, chief executive of Hardware Association Ireland, said: “This league table, which we will produce twice per year, provides an important snapshot of housing delivery. While many local authorities are making strong progress, there remains a need for greater consistency and ambition in meeting housing demand.
"For local authorities that are challenged in providing new housing, there is ample scope to provide homes by rejuvenating empty homes and above the shop properties. We hope this analysis will support constructive dialogue and drive improvements where they are most needed.”
