Government misses social housing target despite ‘record’ delivery, figures show

Government falls short of social housing target again as opposition warns missed goals have created a growing deficit in homes

Figures from the Department of Housing show a total of 9,089 social homes were completed in 2025. FIle picture

The Government missed its 2025 social housing target despite housing minister James Browne saying delivery levels are “unprecedented”.

Figures from the Department of Housing show a total of 9,089 social homes were completed in 2025.

However, the Government targeted the delivery of 10,000 new social homes last year, meaning it fell short by 911 homes.

Mr Browne said the delivery of social homes was at a record level, adding that more were delivered last year than in any other year in the history of the State.

“We are now seeing an unprecedented level of delivery of new-build social homes, with 2025 representing the largest number of new build social homes constructed since the foundation of the State. This is serious momentum,” Mr Browne said.

“These homes are not just units; they represent security, stability and opportunity for thousands of households.

“While this is a record year, we are driving on. The focus now is on sustaining and expanding this delivery, scaling further and ensuring that more people benefit from access to high-quality, secure homes.” 

However, the opposition has highlighted that the Government has failed to meet its social housing targets over the past six years.

Labour’s housing spokesperson, Conor Sheehan, said this has created a growing deficit in social housing as targets are missed each year.

He said that under the previous housing plan, Housing for All, there was a shortfall of at least 10,000 social homes because of missed targets.

“Minister Browne’s targets under Delivering Homes Building Communities are too low and will not meet the level of unmet demand as over 113,000 people need social housing support,” Mr Sheehan said.

“Minister Browne is presiding over the greatest housing crisis of a generation and he needs to publish new housing targets for social and affordable housing. The fact that there is no appetite for action coming from his Department is not acceptable.” 

In its new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the Government removed annual housing targets and instead pledged to deliver 300,000 homes by the end of 2030.

However, it continues to track social housing delivery, with a target of 12,000 new builds in 2026.

In Cork City, 472 new social homes were built in 2025, while 400 were completed in Cork County.