So the sigh of relief in the Government at news that Irish home completions rose by 20.4pc last year to 36,284 units was understandable. True, it fell far short of its target of 41,000 completions, but it was a 20pc increase on the previous year. But if it is to come anywhere close to its 2030 target of 300,000 homes, much radical work in removing obstacles remains. But efforts will have to intensify if we are to close in on the target of the 50,000 homes needed annually. Social Democrats deputy leader Cian O’Callaghan said Mr Martin was “dressing up failure as success”.

Source: Irish Independent January 30, 2026 17:33 UTC