Martin Markey, Chief Executive of Hardware Association of Ireland
Louth housing delivery has been ranked the strongest in Ireland for the first six months of 2026, according to a new league table published by Hardware Association Ireland.
The county recorded 6.6 homes created per 1,000 residents between January and June, putting it well ahead of the national rate of 3.6.
Laois placed second on 5.2 homes per 1,000 residents, followed by Kildare on 4.6, while South Dublin and Fingal both recorded 4.5.
Louth’s rate was around 83% higher than the State figure and 27% ahead of second-placed Laois.
Broader measure of housing delivery
The new Housing Delivery League Table looks beyond newly built homes alone.
Hardware Association Ireland’s analysis includes new builds as well as previously vacant or derelict properties brought back into residential use through schemes including vacant home and above-the-shop grants.
That gives a broader picture of homes being made available rather than focusing solely on new construction.
Nine local authority areas recorded a housing delivery rate above the State figure, three matched it, while 19 fell below it.
Louth leads the country
Commenting on the new rankings, Martin Markey, Chief Executive Officer of Hardware Association Ireland, said:
“This league table, which we will produce twice per year, provides an important snapshot of housing delivery. While many local authorities are making strong progress, there remains a need for greater consistency and ambition in meeting housing demand. For local authorities that are challenged in providing new housing, there is ample scope to provide homes by rejuvenating empty homes and above the shop properties. We hope this analysis will support constructive dialogue and drive improvements where they are most needed.”
The association says the table is intended to highlight areas where housing delivery is strongest, improve transparency and encourage local authorities to learn from one another.
Recent reporting on the figures also noted that Hardware Association Ireland had identified particularly strong activity in the wider Drogheda rural area as part of Louth’s performance.
Strong year for housing delivery in Louth
The latest ranking comes after Louth County Council exceeded its social housing delivery target under Housing for All by the end of 2025.
Drogheda Life previously reported that the Council had delivered 1,608 new social homes by the end of 2025, surpassing its target by 232 homes, with a further 565 homes expected during 2026.
That broader housing pipeline includes a number of developments in Drogheda and across the county.
Drogheda Life also reported on four social housing projects planned to deliver 271 new homes, including developments at Bakery View on Ballymakenny Road and Greenhills Grange in Drogheda.
The new national league table now places Louth at the top for the rate of housing being made available during the first half of this year.
