Almost 2,600 Social Homes in Design or Construction Pipeline for Cork City and County
Cork has 2,597 social homes at design or construction phase, part of national surge in social housing delivery reaching levels not seen since the 1970s.
New figures reveal that Cork City and County have 2,597 social homes at various stages of design or construction, part of a national surge in social housing delivery that has reached levels not seen since the 1970s.
The latest Construction Status Report from the Department of Housing shows that nationally, 26,684 social homes were at various stages of design and construction at the end of June 2025, indicating what officials describe as a "robust supply line" for future delivery.
The figures, published by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, show that social housing delivery has accelerated significantly across the country. First-half delivery figures for 2025 reached 1,804 new build social homes, representing a 54% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 1,174 homes were completed.
The improvement marks the strongest performance in recent years, surpassing first-half delivery in both 2022 (1,761 homes) and 2023 (1,393 homes).
Minister Browne said:
"These figures demonstrate that our efforts to accelerate the delivery of social housing, particularly new-build homes are having an impact. I remain firmly committed to sustaining progress in Cork City and County and throughout the country."
The Minister highlighted a significant policy change introduced in July 2025, which moved to a Single Stage Approval Process for social housing projects under €200 million. The streamlined approach, welcomed by local authorities, aims to accelerate delivery and support the achievement of ambitious housing targets.
Minister Browne added:
"While today's focus is on the numbers, it is ultimately about the people behind them. As Minister, I have the privilege of travelling throughout the country and witnessing first-hand the profound impact that a permanent, secure home has on individuals and families."
Officials acknowledge that social housing delivery by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies typically accelerates in the second half of each year, meaning the full picture of 2025 delivery will become clearer by year-end.
The Construction Status Report does not include build units delivered under Local Authority Part V, CAS Part V and Traveller Accommodation, but provides insight into the majority of projects currently in the pipeline and units on site.
With Cork's housing demand showing no signs of slowing, the pipeline of almost 2,600 homes represents a significant commitment to addressing the county's social housing needs, though delivery timelines will vary depending on each project's stage of development.
