Slowdown in housing construction 'a matter of concern', says Varadkar

The latest Department of Housing data in October showed a year-on-year decline of 14% on the number of homes that were commenced.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said the slowdown is driven by the high cost and non-availability of building materials. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

A slowdown in the number of houses beginning the construction phase across the country has been described as “a matter of concern” by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.

Speaking on the eve of his party’s ard fheis in Athlone, Mr Varadkar noted the fallback in housing starts in recent months.