'Disheartening' as only 103 new homes commenced in Mayo so far this year

Aontú Mayo TD Paul Lawless has raised alarm over the shockingly low levels of housing commencement in County Mayo, with just 103 new homes started in the first six months of 2025.

“This is a shocking figure,” said Deputy Lawless.

"“It represents the lowest level of building commencement notices in Mayo in almost a decade. The last time we saw numbers this low was back in 2016.

"Despite countless promises, announcements and record-breaking spending claims, we’re essentially right back where we started. The government’s rhetoric on housing may have shifted, but their delivery is going in reverse.”

Deputy Lawless highlighted how recent figures compare unfavourably even to the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic: In the first half of 2016 there were 105 commencements in Mayo. In the same period for 2020 and 2021 (where construction was in and out during lockdown) there were 152 and 199 respectively.

“Even at the height of lockdown, housing starts were significantly higher than the most recent figures,” he added.

“Meanwhile nationally, commencements in the first half of 2025 plummeted to just 6,325—down from 34,000 over the same period last year. The Government’s housing strategy is clearly failing western counties like Mayo, where demand remains high but delivery is in freefall.”

“It’s deeply disheartening to see Mayo’s housing starts back at 2016 levels, a time when we were only beginning to recover from recession. Nearly a decade on, we now have a larger population and a wealthier economy, yet we’re delivering at post-recession rates.

Many families in Mayo have planning permission, stable jobs and a genuine housing need, but they simply can’t afford to build homes. The most recent data reflect the countless conversations I have had with families and builders”.

Deputy Lawless also warned that rising construction costs and VAT on materials are stifling development.

“We need to tackle the cost of building head-on. Aontú is calling for a zero VAT rate on construction materials to support builders and local contractors. Every extra euro added in tax is another barrier stopping people from building homes and living in their communities.

We are seeing young couples delaying having a family, young people emigrating in huge numbers. Those in Government seem to have a total sense of lethargy towards housing.”